ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Posted by kris on November 01, 1998 at 19:43:29:

Hi there! My grandmother has macular degeneration and is obviously devastated by the changes in her life. Does anyone know of a business that sells products that may help the visually impaired with daily life???They must have such things.......I want to help her, she is very dear to me.

Thank you.

Posted by Karghi on November 03, 1998 at 00:08:25:

My mother was also recently diagnosed with AMD. I've been researching the net and found BUNDLES of definitions for different devices and even tips on using the devices but the one device I THOUGHT would be the most useful and portable and wanted to purchase were some "binocular glasses" with adjustable magnification. Found that info on the following website "www.binocularglasses.com" BUT when I tried to call their toll free number, it had been disconnected. I tried to e-mail questions of the products (info.binocularglasses.com) but have still not received a response.

As an alternative, my aunt recently purchased 2 magnifying and lighted lamps for my mother. My mother is currently trying to adjust to their use. These lamps are not stand alone type lamps. They have to be clamped on to a horizontal (I presume) surface and are apparently fairly heavy. They have an adjustable arm for positioning the lamp/light as needed. Believe my aunt said they were 5 times magnification (but we can't find out what that really means in terms of what is their base line - 20/20 vision, zero, etc?) If interested, I can probably ask her for the ordering info. Just let me know. There are also devices mentioned in various sites anywhere from telescopes mounted to glasses, binocular glasses, hand held magnifying glasses, magnifying lenses, and a new product still in research and production specifically designed for MD patients and that fits in regular glass frames called "Inwave Optics Lenses"!! I requested information from them and was IMMEDIATELY sent brochures to both my home and my mother's in another state. It REALLY looks exciting for the MD persons and consists of prism lenses for glasses!! Try this web site: ("Inwave" company at "www.inwave.com/optics/main/html" or 1-800-957-8400 = which is actually the number they say in the brochure to have the doctor call for more info). Also, try calling the "Lighthouse" agency in your area. They may be able to refer you to some AMD suppliers. Hope this helps. Let me know if you want more info.

Posted by Dave on November 03, 1998 at 10:16:37:

Re: Binocular Glasses

I have a pair of Ocutech Telescopic Glasses that have made it possible for me to see things that I had not seen for at least 2 or 3 years. I have even been able to resume driving my car again.

My left eye is 10/200 corrected acuity with NO CENTRAL VISION and my right eye has a corrected acuity of 20/125 with about 15% of my central vision. With the telescopic glasses, my right eye has gone to 20/15 for close vision and 20/35 for distance vision.

I would strongly recommend that you visit the Ocutech website @ "www.ocutech.com". They have information on the various models and a listing of the doctors who are experienced in applying these glasses by geographical area.

Good luck,
Dave Pearce

Funding for MD visual equipment

Posted by Nancy G. on July 06, 1998 at 21:51:33:

My husband had MD at 7 years and is looking for funding to obtain a Reader's Edge. Does anyone know of organizations or groups that help people with visual aids?

Posted by Dave on July 07, 1998 at 20:31:02:

Hi Nancy,
I have been quite successful in getting financial assistance through the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired department of the Ohio State Rehabilitation Commission. They also were able to put me in touch with a Low Vision Center in our state that has some funding available to help people.

Good luck,
Dave Pearce

Voice output software

Posted by Reeve Hennion on December 21, 1998 at 09:02:27:

My father-in-law, who has macular degeneration, is interested in software that will permit him to hear his e-mail (and other computer material) via computer-generated voice rather than having to read it. Has anyone tried software that does that reasonably well? Thanks.

Posted by Dan Roberts on December 22, 1998 at 08:52:32:

Please go to the MD Support web site (linked below) and click on "Low Vision Devices." You will find a comprehensive list which includes voice software. If your father has a Macintosh, the software is built in. If not, you may want to look into ZoomText or WindowEyes, both of which will run you around $500-$600, but the feature is worth the money.

Large magnifiers?

Posted by Ann on September 25, 1998 at 12:08:29:

My mother is going to buy a large magnifier, the ones with a T.V. Does anyone know which is the best? We talked to the Dr. and he showed her both kinds. I can't remember the names on them. One was all one unit and the other was two peices that could be set side by side or with the T.V. on the magnifier unit. Thanks,
Ann

Posted by Dan Roberts on September 27, 1998 at 10:46:27:

Dear Ann,
For a list of links to web sites which advertise CCTVs and other low-vision equipment, please visit the MD Support web site by clicking below and then going to "Low-Vision Aids" in the Contents. I would especially encourage you to look into the Magni-cam portable CCTV, which has a hand-held camera which you move like a mouse to display text on your TV. The cost is around $600, and it comes highly-recommended by one of my subscribers on the MDList.

Please feel free to contact me personally if you need any further help.

Best regards,
Dan Roberts, Owner
MDList & Chat Channel

Posted by Lynn Garwood on October 12, 1998 at 18:09:36:

back to top