For Patients

For Eye Care Professionals

Valuable information about low vision aids.

Contemporary low vision aids are very easy to use.  The increased contrast available with electronic LCD and CCTV magnifiers is of great benefit to patients with macular degeneration, glaucoma and inherited retinal pigment disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa.

LCD magnifiers enlarge print and reverse contrast from 4X to 60X (if combined with spectacle magnifiers), their built in lithium batteries are rechargeable and make the unit ideal for travel, education and shopping. Shown above is the Optelec Compact plus, the latest in a series of small high tech pocket magnifiers.

Stand magnifiers use LED illumination for increased battery life. The high quality lenses magnify from 2X to 6X, They are inexpensive (under $100) and their light weight makes them suitable for use by all.

Desktop CCTV systems are powerful yet easily used,  Ontario residents pay a fraction of the cost typically about $700. The CCTV programme has assisted many thousands of vision impaired Ontarians. We have a variety from which to choose, some can integrate with your computer, reducing desk clutter

Selective transmission lenses are of great benefit in assisting patients with contrast sensitivity and glare problems outdoors. Patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal pigment disorders such as achromatopsia and retinitis pigmentosa gain particular benefit. They are available in various cutoff frequencies to match the ocular disorder and function.

Spectacle mounted telescopes and microscopes are custom designed for each patient, taking into account eye pathology, task and ergonomics.  A big advantage of incorporating the magnification system to the eyeglasses is that it frees up the use of both hands and is less tiring. They can be designed for distance tasks such as the theatre, classroom and sporting events, intermediate distances (30cm-40cm)  tasks  such as occupations like computer repair, hobbies and near uses such as reading (2cm - 10cm).