Low Vision Devices for Children

As I continue to become more and more familiar with the world of low vision devices for children with 0-5 years old, I have began integrating "off the shelf" magnifiers into some of my student's routines at work and at school.  Recently, I inquired with a low vision ophthalmologist about  getting some basic magnifiers to keep in my car to begin introducing them to students who might be future users of magnifiers after a low vision examination .  I play "seek and find" games with both the hand held magnifiers I purchased at Target and the iPhone/iPad apps.  However,  I wanted to go a little bit more in depth in this entry about the other options out there.

*Please note before purchasing any low vision device or magnifier, it is recommended and strongly encouraged get into touch with an ophthalmologist that specializes in low vision evaluations for prescription.*  This blog entry is just a way to share with other professionals, therapists, and parents the magnification options that exist for children.

Handheld Magnifier:

• Easy to handle
• Children can determine the best viewing distance between the magnifier and the activity
• Built-in lights and illumination add to magnification quality
• Child must possess good hand-eye coordination

Stand Magnifier:

• Offers the stability to the child
• Good for children who require higher rates of magnification
• Good for beginners
• Option of built-in illumination

Moncular Telescope:

• Can easily bring the image of an object that is several feet away look as though it is within inches of the viewer.
• Good for daily living skills and reading and writing activities in the classroom
• Requires extensive training from a TVI and/or Low Vision Therapist on target control and focusing features.

Dome Magnifier

• Stand magnifier that specifically doubles the magnification for users who typically use distance magnification
• 1.8x is the only available magnification power
• Easy to user
• Lo-Tech