Assistive tools (zoom text, bump dots, reading stand, playing cards, lighted megrx)

Along with medical devices for low vision, there are a wide range of other products out there designed to provide assistance to patients with low vision for a variety of tasks.

Assistive Devices for Low Vision

Whether due to conditions associated with age such as macular degeneration, injuries, or development issues are the root cause of your low vision, it can be frustrating.

Today, however, there is a great deal of innovation when it comes to products designed to help you regain the independence you had before the onset of low vision, and enjoy those same activities again.

While many would be more familiar with general low vision devices such as magnifying glasses and prism lenses, there are other tools designed to assist low vision patients, often with specific tasks or activities.

Types of Assistive Devices

Bump Dots

These are adhesive labelers which can come in a range of sizes and colors. They enable easy identification of key items or locations on an item (such as the buttons on an oven or microwave). This allows a person with low vision to confidently interact with the object without needing to put on glasses or rely on outside help. With any colors, including clear, available, bump dots allow some measure of creativity to make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Playing Cards

Playing cards remain popular with many people, but they can be tough to play with if you have low vision. These cards feature jumbo sized markings to make it easy for a person with low vision to read the number and see the card’s suit, allowing for easy play.

Reading Stands

Reading stands are small, standing devices which allow the user to place their reading material at an ideal height and angle for reading. These work well with standing magnifiers, as they can easily position the book, magazine, or other reading material so that the magnifier will function properly.

Zoom Text Magnifier/Reader

ZoomText Magnifier is a program you can purchase for your computer or other device that is designed to enlarge and enhance everything on your screen, making it easier to use your computer. ZoomText Magnifier/Reader goes a step beyond, providing other services such as echoing your typing and program activity, along with reading pages or documents aloud, for added convenience.

Summary

Having low vision doesn’t mean you have to give up doing the things you love. Along with more broad vision aids, more specialized assistive tools are readily available to help you increase your quality of life and retain your independence. If you are experiencing low vision, and would like to schedule a low vision eye exam, or have other questions, you can contact Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach at (562) 925-6591. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.