The Dr. Bill Takeshita Foundation

Last Modified: Mon, 12 Nov 2007

Advances in electronic and computer technology now allow many students and adults with low vision to read, write, view photographs, pay bills, and perform visual tasks independently. Before the development of these technologies, patients with low vision were forced to use magnifying glasses, large print books, or read Braille.. Today, children and adult with poor vision can use their vision to succeed at school and at work.

Desktop Video Magnifiers (Closed Circuit Televisions)

One of the most effective technologies for patients with low vision are video magnifiers, also known as closed circuit televisions (CCTV). Video magnifiers consist of a small camera that automatically focuses on the print located on a movable tray and displays the image in high contrast on a computer or television monitor. They provide more magnification, more contrast, and a wider field of view compared to optical magnifiers. Many models can even change the color of the fonts and background. Video magnifiers are probably the most effective electronic visual aid to help students and adults who are employed to access printed information, maps, diagrams, and illustrations.

Portable Video Magnifiers

Hand held video magnifiers are extremely helpful for patients with low vision to read print when they do not have access to a desktop magnifier. They run on batteries and display very bright colored images o an LCD screen, similar to those used on portable DVD players. They are approximately the size of a videotape and can be used at restaurants, libraries, stores, and at business meetings.

Video Magnifiers that Focus Far and Near

There are a variety of video magnifiers that can magnify distance and near objects such as the chalkboard and PowerPoint presentations. The camera of these units can swivel to focus far or near to allow reading and writing. They display a bright colored image on a LCD screen. Most models are relatively portable and can be moved from one room to another and are helpful for students and adults who attend conferences and meetings.

Video Magnifiers for Computer Users

Many video magnifiers can be integrated with computers. This allows the user to share the same monitor for both the video magnifier and the computer. This is very useful for people who must type or perform data entry while reading.