Suggestions

Permission for Use

Low Vision Assessment and Rehabilitation

Initial Low Vision Management

Low Vision Treatment Options

Selection of Non-optical Aids

Hundreds of "non-optical" aids on the market are designed to make everyday tasks simpler. While some (e.g. liquid level indicators and talking thermometers) are available only from low vision specialty companies, others (e.g. large button phones, high contrast large-print books, graduated spoons and measuring cups) are available in general retail stores. Below is a list of frequently-used aids:

• Talking watch (push a button to hear the time)
• Low vision watch (large face; black on white) and braille watches
• Talking thermometer
• Talking calculator
• Talking alarm clock and large face, low vision clocks
• Talking blood pressure cuff
• Talking weight scale
• Talking blood glucose monitor - announces blood sugar level after a blood-impregnated test strip is inserted. Also Count-a-Dose auditory insulin-measuring devices
• Lighted magnifying mirror - for grooming
• Liquid level indicator - small battery operated device buzzes when level of liquid is about 1" from top of cup
• Large print and raised line checks - available through most banks
• Loci dots, Hi-mark, or Span Line pen - used to mark dials on home appliances (oven, thermostat, etc.)
• Raised line or bold line paper and bold-stroke, dark marker pens for writing
• Check, letter, or envelope writing guide
• Needle threaders
• High-contrast cutting board
• Long arm and flame-retardant oven mitts
• Double-armed cooking spatula
• Oven-top pan holder
• Large dial kitchen timers
• Talking microwave
• Talking food scale
• TV screen magnifiers