People with low vision
Low vision means a person has significantly reduced vision that cannot be fully improved/restored with treatment or prescription spectacles.
A person with low vision can see some things, but usually finds it hard to learn or carry out tasks without the help of low vision assistive products.
Magnifiers and telescopes assist some people with low vision to use the vision they do have to carry out activities.
People who may benefit from magnifiers and telescopes include:
- Adults and children with low vision who have difficulty seeing to carry out near tasks.
- Adults and children with low vision who have difficulty seeing people or objects in the distance.
Meet Daniel
Daniel is studying at university. He has low vision and uses prescription spectacles. These improve his vision, but he still cannot see easily. He also uses a sheet magnifier on an adjustable stand to assist him when reading and writing.
Meet Ying
Ying works in an office, and wears prescription spectacles.
She also uses a handheld magnifier to see things up close and a telescope to see things further away.
Not everyone with low vision will benefit from a magnifier or telescope.
Instruction
Before you assess someone for a magnifier or telescope, always check that they have seen an eye health professional. This is because prescription spectacles or other health care could improve their vision.