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NLS Reference Guide

Magnifying Devices

2014

Introduction

Magnifying devices assist people with low vision to engage more easily in activities such as reading standard print, enjoying a hobby, or viewing a presentation by increasing the size of text and objects. Magnifiers come in many weights and styles. They may be attached to a handle or a neck cord, on a stand, or as a headset. Prices vary based on factors such as the material and strength of the lens and the type of illumination (if any).

This guide contains a brief description of different types of magnifiers, followed by addresses of sources where the devices can be purchased. Contact vendors directly for current prices and product specifications. Visit the websites of vendors to check for the availability of Internet specials, free demonstration software, and home trials.

Before buying a magnification device, one should consult a low-vision specialist for evaluation. A local vision-rehabilitation facility, such as a Lighthouse for the Blind, may offer information on available resources. Please consult the Selected Internet Resources to find an organization that can assist you. A selected bibliography of online articles and a list of websites that offer assistance to people with low vision is also included.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped does not distribute magnifying devices. The listing of companies does not imply endorsement.

Types of Magnifying Devices
Product Index
Addresses of Sources
Selected Bibliography
Selected Internet Resources

Types of Magnifying Devices

Bar magnifiers provide magnification for one or two lines of type at a time, lie flat on the reading surface, and can be moved down the page as reading progresses. Many have feet to raise the magnifier a few inches above the material.

Binocular magnifiers are worn around the head, either alone or over prescription or safety eyeglasses, for close-up precision use. Some have features such as an adjustable headband or a flip-up frame to move the magnifier out of view.

Dome magnifiers have a spherical shape that can lay flat on a small reading surface or can be held and used vertically for activities such as threading a needle or reading a thermometer.

Fresnel magnifiers come in a variety of sizes and are useful for viewing an extensive field of text, such as books, puzzles, maps, or a telephone directory. They may be framed or unframed, and may be hand-held or attached to a stand that can sit on a table with an object underneath, or be placed in front of a computer monitor.

Globe magnifiers. See Dome magnifiers.

Hand-held magnifiers are useful for spot tasks such as reading a label on a medicine bottle, checking a price tag, or consulting a map. Illuminated and non-illuminated models in round or rectangular shapes are available.

Magnifying lamps are available in a variety of models that feature different magnification levels, illumination levels, types of light bulbs, color of light emitted from the magnifier, size of the lens, and weight of the magnifier. A magnifying lamp is usually attached to a flexible arm that can be moved over the reading material.

Neck magnifiers rest on the chest and are supported by adjustable cords around the neck. This allows both hands to be free to hold reading material or to work on sewing or other tasks. These come in illuminated and non-illuminated models.

Page magnifiers. See Fresnel magnifiers.

Pendant magnifiers. See Neck magnifiers.

Pocket magnifiers may be housed in hard plastic cases that slide or snap open and shut, or in soft covers that can be used as a handle. They may come with two or more lenses that can be used singly or in combination, and are available in illuminated and non-illuminated models.

Screen magnifiers may be hardware or software. They display the information on a computer or television screen in a variety of magnifications. Some may be used with speech. The software programs are compatible with many computer applications. Some programs offer free trial versions to download.

Stand magnifiers are set in holders that are attached to small legs or other supports. They sit above the page in a frame that is fixed or at a tilt so it automatically maintains a consistent distance from the reading material and remains in focus, even if the user has unsteady hands or tremors. These come in illuminated and non-illuminated models.

Video magnifiers or closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems enlarge print and graphic materials electronically on monitor screens. The screens may be mounted on fixed stands or handheld.

Product Index

Addresses of Sources

ABiSee
20 Main St., Suite G2
Acton, MA 01720
(978) 635-0202
(253) 595-3623 fax
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.abisee.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers

Access Ingenuity
3635 Montgomery Dr.
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 579-4380
1-877-579-4380 toll-free
(707) 579-4273 fax
[email protected]
www.accessingenuity.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Ai Squared
PO Box 669
Manchester Center, VT 05255
(802) 362-3612
1-800-859-0270 toll-free
(802) 362-1670 fax
[email protected]
www.aisquared.com
Portable video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206
1-800-223-1839 toll-free
(502) 899-2284 fax
[email protected]
www.aph.org
Desktop video magnifiers

BAUM USA, Inc.
13 Branch St., Suite 205
Methuen, MA 01844
1-855-620-7985 toll-free
(978) 420-4401 fax
[email protected]
www.baumusa.com
Desktop video magnifiers

Beyond Sight, Inc.
5650 South Windermere St.
Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 795-6455
(303) 795-6425 fax
[email protected]
www.beyondsight.com
Bar magnifiers, dome magnifiers, Fresnel magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software, stand magnifiers

Bierley Associates, Inc.
19500 Graystone Ln.
San Jose, CA 95120
1-800-985‑0535 toll-free
(408) 351‑8300 fax
[email protected]
www.bierley.com/us_new/us.htm
Dome magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers

C Tech Low Vision Products
2 North William St.
Pearl River, NY 10965
(845) 735-7907
1-800-228-7798 toll-free
(845) 735-0513 fax
www.lvpshop.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Carolyn’s Low Vision Products
3938 South Tamiami Tr.
Sarasota, FL 34231-3622
(941) 373-9100
1-800-648-2266 toll-free
[email protected]
www.carolynscatalog.com
Binoculars, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, portable and desktop video magnifiers

Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Tools for Living Store
1850 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608-1298
(312) 997-3683
1-800-919-3375 toll-free
[email protected]
http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com
Magnifying lamps, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Dazor Manufacturing Corporation
2079 Congressional Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63146
(314) 652-2400
1-800-345-9103 toll-free
(314) 652-2069 fax
[email protected]
www.dazor.com
Magnifying lamps

Electronic Vision Access Solutions
39 Canal St.
PO Box 371
Westerly, RI 02891
(401) 596-3155
1-800-872-3827 (800-USA-EVAS) toll-free
(401) 596-3500 TTY
(401) 596-3979 fax
[email protected]
www.evas.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Enhanced Vision
5882 Machine Dr.
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(714) 374-1829
1-888-811-3161 toll-free
(714) 374-1821 fax
[email protected]
www.enhancedvision.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers

Envision Technology, Inc.
4905 Del Ray Ave., Suite 320
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 654-3568
1-800-582-5051toll-free
(301) 652-1761 fax
[email protected]
www.envisiontechnology.org
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Eschenbach Optik of America
22 Shelter Rock Ln.
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 702-1600
1-800-487-5389 toll-free
888-799-7200 fax
[email protected]
www.eschenbach.com
Bar magnifiers, binoculars, hand-held magnifiers, pendant magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, stand magnifiers

Florida Reading and Vision Technology at the Lighthouse of Brevard
650 N. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
1-800-981-5119 toll-free
(954) 462-4647 fax
[email protected]
www.floridareading.com
Bar magnifiers, dome magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, pendant magnifier, pocket magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Freedom Scientific
Blind/Low Vision Group
11800 Thirty-First Ct. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
(727) 803-8000
800‑444‑4443 toll-free
(727) 803-8001 fax
[email protected]
www.freedomscientific.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Freedom Vision
615 Tami Way
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 961-6541
1-800-961-1334 toll-free
(650) 968-4740 fax
[email protected]
www.freedomvision.net
Portable and desktop video magnifiers

HIMS, Inc.
4616 W. Howard Ln., Suite 960
Austin, TX 78728
1-888-520-4467 toll-free
(512) 837-2011 fax
[email protected]
www.hims-inc.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers

HumanWare
1 UPS Way
PO Box 800
Champlain, NY 12919
1-800-722-3393
888-871-4828 fax
[email protected]
www.humanware.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers

Independent Living Aids, LLC
137 Rano Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14207
1-800-537-2118 toll-free
1-855-746-7452 toll-free
(516) 937-3906 fax
[email protected]
www.independentliving.com
Bar magnifiers, binoculars, dome magnifiers, Fresnel magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, pendant magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software, stand magnifiers

Independent Living Source, Inc.
8209 Market St., Unit A-283
Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 795-4966
866-518-9682 fax
[email protected]
www.iltsource.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Life with Ease
PO Box 302
Newbury, NH 03255
(603) 938-5116
800-966-5119
(603) 938-5090 fax
[email protected]
www.lifewithease.com
Bar magnifiers, binoculars, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, pendant magnifiers

Lighthouse for the Blind Visual Aids Store
123 State St.
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 899-4501
1-888-792-0163 toll-free
[email protected]
http://lighthouselouisiana.org/Visual-Aids-Store
Bar magnifiers, binoculars, hand-held magnifiers, pendant magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, stand magnifiers

Lighthouse International
The Sol and Lillian Goldman Building
111 East Fifty-Ninth St.
New York, NY 10022
(212) 821‑9384
800-829-0500
www.lighthouse.org/store
Bar magnifiers, binoculars, dome magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, stand magnifiers

Lighting Specialties Company
735 Hastings Ln.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089-6906
(847) 215-2000
800-214-4522 toll-free
(847) 215-2002 fax
[email protected]
www.lightingspecialties.com
Magnifying lTheamps

The Low Vision Store
300 NE 117th Ave.
Vancouver WA 98684
1-888-216-1912 toll-free
(360) 254-3892 fax
[email protected]
www.thelowvisionstore.net
Binoculars, hand-held magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

LS&S, LLC
145 River Rock Dr.
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 348‑3500
800-468‑4789 toll-free
866-317‑8533 TTY
(716) 873-3848 and 877-498‑1482 fax
www.lssproducts.com
Bar magnifiers, binoculars, dome magnifiers, Fresnel magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, pocket magnifiers, pendant magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software, stand magnifiers

Magnifying America
2129 SW Hwy. 484
Ocala, FL 34473
1-800-364-1610 toll-free
(352) 307-6614 fax
[email protected]
www.magnifyingcenter.com
Binoculars, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, portable and desktop video magnifiers

MagniSight, Inc.
802 Nichols Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
1-800-753-4767 toll-free
(719) 578-9887 fax
[email protected]
www.magnisight.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers

Mattingly Low Vision
2361 Bear Rock Glen
Escondido, CA 92026
(915) 585-2558
888-642-0842 toll-free
(915) 858-2541 fax
866-958-8777 toll-free fax
[email protected]
www.mattinglylowvision.com
Dome magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, stand magnifiers

Maxi-Aids
42 Executive Blvd.
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(631) 752-0521
1-800-522-6294 toll-free
(631) 752-0738 TTY
1-800-281-3555 toll-free TTY
(631) 752-0689 fax
[email protected]
www.maxiaids.com
Bar magnifiers, binoculars, dome magnifiers, Fresnel magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software, stand magnifiers

Mons International, Inc.
6595 Roswell Rd. NE, #224
Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 551-8455
800-541-7903 toll-free
(770) 926-7883 fax
[email protected]
www.magnifiers.com
Bar magnifiers, dome magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, pendant magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, stand magnifiers

National Federation of the Blind Independence Market
200 E. Wells St. at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, ext. 2216
(410) 685-2340 fax
[email protected]
https://nfb.org/independence-market
Fresnel magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, pendant magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, stand magnifiers

Ocutech
109 Conner Dr., Suite 2105
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 967-6460
1-800-326-6460 toll-free
(919) 967-8146 fax
[email protected]
www.ocutech.com
Binoculars

Optelec U.S., Inc.
3030 Enterprise Ct., Suite C
Vista, CA 92081-8358
1-800-826-4200 toll-free
1-800-368-4111 toll-free fax
[email protected]
https://us.optelec.com/
Portable and desktop video magnifiers

Patterson Medical
Corporate Headquarters
28100 Torch Pkwy., Suite 700
Warrenville, IL 60555-3938
(630) 378-6000
1-800-323-5547 toll-free
1-800-547-4333 toll-free fax
[email protected]
www.pattersonmedical.com
Bar magnifiers, dome magnifiers, Fresnel magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, stand magnifiers

Perkins Products
175 N. Beacon St.
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 972-7308
855-206-8353 toll-free
(617) 926-2027 fax
[email protected]
www.perkinsproducts.org
Hand-held magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Tech-Optics International
600 Deer Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
(856) 795-8585
800-678-4277 toll-free
(856) 427-7940 fax
[email protected]
www.techopticsinternational.com
Bar magnifiers, binoculars, dome magnifiers, Fresnel magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, pendant magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software, stand magnifiers

Telesight Magnifiers, Inc.
28 Grant St.
Freeport, NY 11520
(718) 939-0415
(516) 868-5616 fax
[email protected]
www.telesightmagnifiers.com/index.html
Fresnel magnifiers, hand-held magnifiers, magnifying lamps, portable and desktop video magnifiers

Universal Low Vision Aids, Inc.
1350 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 112
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 224-6465
(614) 224-2258 fax
http://ulva.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

VideoEye Corporation
9465 W. Emerald St.
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 323-9577
1-800-416-0758 toll-free
(208) 658-1762 fax
[email protected]
www.videoeyecorp.com
Desktop video magnifiers

VisionCue, LLC
4824 SW Scholls Ferry Rd.
Portland, OR 97221
(503) 297-1510
1-888-318-2582 toll-free
(503) 459-4003 fax
www.visioncue.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Visual-Tech Connection
PO Box 1996
Westerville, OH 43086
(614) 899-9989
800-589-8835 toll-free
(614) 899-7553 fax
[email protected]
www.lowvisionaids.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers, screen-magnification software

Your Low Vision Store
1-800-310-3938 toll-free
http://yourlowvisionstore.com
Portable and desktop video magnifiers

Selected Bibliography

American Foundation for the Blind. “CCTVs/Video Magnifiers.” www.afb.org/ProdBrowseCatResults.asp?CatID=53 (accessed August 22, 2014).

——. “Low Vision Devices.” www.afb.org/ProdBrowseCatResults.asp?CatID=54 (accessed August 22, 2014).

——. “Screen Magnification Systems.” www.afb.org/ProdBrowseCatResults.asp?CatID=39 (accessed August 22, 2014).

Blubaugh, Morgan, Lee Huffman, and William Reuschel. “Lighting Up Your World: A Closer Look at Illuminated Magnifiers.” AccessWorld 11, no. 2 (May 2010). www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw110205 (accessed August 22, 2014)

Haddrill, Marilyn, and Mary Lou Jackson, MD. “Guide to Buying Low Vision Magnifiers,” 2013. www.allaboutvision.com/buysmart/magnifiers.htm (accessed August 25, 2014).

Huffman, Lee. “Zooming in on Magnification: An Evaluation of the CANDY and CANDY Grip Hand-held Video Magnifiers from HIMS, Inc.” AccessWorld 13, no. 12 (December 2012). www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw131204 (accessed August 25, 2014).

Huffman, Lee, et al. “Lighting Up Your World: A Closer Look at Illuminated Magnifiers. AccessWorld 10, no. 6 (November 2009). www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw100604 (accessed August 25, 2014).

National Federation of the Blind. “Technology Resource List.” https://nfb.org/technology-resource-list?SnID=124873414 (accessed August 22, 2014).

Presley, Ike. “A Comparison of Three Low-Cost, Hand-Held, Camera-Model Video Magnifiers: Vision Booster Magnifier, Carson DR-200 ezRead, and Wireless Electronic Reading Aid.” AccessWorld 12, no. 8 (August 2011). www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw120802 (accessed August 25, 2014).

——. “A Review of Freeware and Shareware Screen Magnification Software for Windows.” AccessWorld 14, no. 4 (April 2013). www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw140403 (accessed August 25, 2014).

——. “Low Vision Technology Series, Webinar 1: Overview of Low Vision Technology.” American Foundation for the Blind, 2012. www.afb.org/store/Pages/ShoppingCart/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=ETECHWEB1Archive&ruling=Yes (accessed August 22, 2014).

——. “Low Vision Technology Series Webinar 2: Using Video/Electronic Magnification Tools for Accessing Printed Information.” American Foundation for the Blind, 2012. www.afb.org/store/Pages/ShoppingCart/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=ETECHWEB2Archive&ruling=Yes (accessed August 22, 2014).

——. “Low Vision Technology Series Webinar 3: Computer/Screen Magnification Technologies: Hardware and Software.” American Foundation for the Blind, 2012. www.afb.org/store/Pages/ShoppingCart/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=ETECHWEB3ARCHIVE&ruling=Yes (accessed August 22, 2014).

——. “Low Vision Technology Series Webinar 4: Other Useful Technologies for People with Low Vision.” American Foundation for the Blind, 2012.

Selected Internet Resources

AFB Directory of Services
www.afb.org/services.asp
Provides an online directory searchable by services and by state and/or province.

AFB Senior Site
www.visionaware.org/info/for-seniors/1
Designed to support the needs and answer the questions of older adults with vision loss, as well as their families, caregivers, health-care providers, and social services professionals.

All about Vision
www.allaboutvision.com
Provides information on low vision, eye diseases, eye wear, LASIK and laser eye surgery, and contact lenses.

American Optometric Association
www.aoa.org
Offers information on eye conditions and diseases, children’s vision, adult vision, and contact lenses.

Low Vision Gateway
www.lowvision.org
Includes links to low-vision specialists and sources of assistive devices, information on eye diseases and conditions, organizations assisting persons who are visually impaired, advice regarding children and educational issues, and tips for driving with low vision.

Low Vision Information Center
www.lowvisioninfo.org
Offers information on lighting, optical aids, and causes of and living with low vision, as well as support programs. Includes an online newsletter.

National Institutes of Health – Eye Health Information
www.nei.nih.gov/health/
Provides English- and Spanish-language information on eye diseases and disorders, basic eye anatomy, eye-care resources, and online publications.

New York Institute for Special Education, Blindness Resource Center – Low Vision Resources
www.nyise.org/lowvision.htm
Links to producers and distributors of CCTVs, magnification aids, and print‑enhancing software. Includes information on living with low vision and using accessibility features on iPhones and Windows computers.

Optelec
https://us.optelec.com
Provides information about common eye diseases, such as Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration, as well as resources and recommended products to aid in daily tasks.

Prevent Blindness America
www.preventblindness.org
Information on adult eye problems, children’s eye problems, and eye safety. Includes links to eye reports, research, and studies.

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired – CCTV Information Page
www.tsbvi.edu/resources/1189-cctv-information-page
Presents basic and advanced features and types of CCTVs, links to manufacturers, information links, and factors to consider when choosing CCTVs.

University of Iowa – Eye Resources on the Internet
http://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eye-health/
Links to eye organizations, information about diseases, university ophthalmology centers, organizations with products and services, online journals, and chat rooms.

Compiled by
Katherine Rodda
Reference Section
[email protected]

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Posted on 2014-12-17

NLS Reference Guide

Magnifying Devices

Introduction

Contents

Types of Magnifying Devices

Product Index

Bar magnifiers

Binoculars

Desktop video magnifiers

Dome magnifiers

Fresnel magnifiers

Hand-held magnifiers

Magnifying lamps

Pendant magnifiers

Pocket magnifiers

Portable video magnifiers

Screen-magnification software

Stand magnifiers

Addresses of Sources

Selected Bibliography

Selected Internet Resources