Software that Magnifies Computer Screen

Noone can doubt that computer have become an integral part of our everyday life. Young and old alike have grown to rely on our desktops. I have often heard people marvel at how computer saavvy our young are, and it's true. I cannot begin to compare myself to how quick they learn, and how able they are in such a vast array of technologies.

But it's the seniors who really impress me. They have come even farther. From paper file cabinets, to e-files. Post officed to email. From always having to go to the store, to bringing the store to their house. Heck, college wasn't as important for so many back in the day, so many old folks have had to improve their basic writing skills in order to adapt. If you are reading this, and you are young, clap out loud in reverence to our seniors. And if you're a senior, pat yourself on the back. Or the arm, if it hurts your shoulder.

Today I chose a new computer program to write about, which is a fascinating development of our older generations needs. Once installed on your computer, it the software puts an area of magnification on your monitor. That's right! You control the area- say, you want it to be a circle just like a magnifying glass, and you want it to cover, say, 1/4 of your computer screen. Then you drag it around with your mouse, and it magnifies everything under that "area". Truly amazing. And, you determine how much you want it magnified. 4X? 20X? It's up to you to decide what is most helpful. It's just like an electronic magnfier only much more powerful.

How much? $39.95. Really.

This really opens up opportunities for visually impaired not just to use a computer, but read again. It's not possible, due to the laws of physics, to have a hand held 20X magnifier unless the lens is really, really small. And sometimes regular reading glasses just don't work anymore.

But this inexpensive program, called Magic Lens Max, makes it all possible. You can read ebooks, surf the web, read e newspapers.

You can get a free trial. Set up isn't too complicated, but you may need the help of a younger generation at first. Once you learn how to use it, it's a breeze.

read more about it here:

Vision Preservation Act

From Prevent Blindness America site:

We need you to help us with legislation to make eye health and safety a national priority.

https://secure2.convio.net/pba/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=151

Contact Wearers, take note...

This website "LensShopper" is celebrating world site day with a chance to win free contact lenses.

Amblyopia

This month's newletter from Prevent Blindness America covers Amblyopia, a major cause of vision loss in children and adults under 40. We will continue to blog about useful newsletters and websites from all organizations as we find them.

Goose neck magnifier, hands free.

It's not just the clarity and power that makes a magnifier desirable. It's the ease with which you can use it. This goose neck magnifier is hands free and easily adjustable.

A wealth of information at National Eye Institute

30 Day Trial Period

All of our low vision aids have a 30 day trial period. If you find they don't work for you, simply return them within one month of purchase, and we will refund the cost of the item. Please remember that we do not refund shipping.

Specials on low vision aids

Sign up for our newsletter to receive product updates, resources, and sales on our Low Vision Aids.

High Power, lightweight magnfiyer

This hand held magnifyer is a great buy!

We salute Governor Paterson

Read his official biography here.

High power quality

 This magnifyer has the highest available distortion free powers available with illumination for superior optics
4401 3/4" 10X Lens
4402 3/4 15X Lens
4403 3/4 20X Lens
3 AAA batteries NOT incuded

9X for only $9.95

For only $9.95, this high power pocket magnfier packs a punch! After all, it's 9X.

National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind is an organization where you can meet and interact with other competent blind individuals. It comes highly recommended by another resourceful website, AAF.

Coupon Code for Personal Vision Assistant

 Since this article was posted back in 2008 advances have been made with mobile phones and tablets. Most people now use apps on their portable devices which enable them to enlarge the text. We have since focused more on non electronic devices such as powerful reading glasses.

Shhhhh, don't tell anyone! Until May 31st, 2008 we have an introductory offer on this item, the Personal Vision Assistant, already the lowest priced of its kind, yet still great quality! Take $30 off, making it just $195!! Hurry, the promotion isn't going to last long. Add the item to your shopping cart, then use code IVU321. The $30 will be immediately deducted.

You can also call us at 1-800-789-6322

Low Vision Support Website

From protecting your eyes from the sun, to financial assistance information, this website is an excellent source of information.

You can even receive Free Copy of "Prevent Blindness America's" Low Vision Assistance Resource Listand Tips for Living with Low Visionfact sheets

Compact Plus Portable Video Magnifier

Update May 4, 2017: Wow, the changes almost 10 years will bring! Since the time of writing, the portable digital magnifier industry has went through two major changes. First the prices dropped significantly. I almost fainted to see this price tag o f$795 (which at the time was cheap!)  because the screens became even larger and the price dropped to under $300, even for units that could double ones that plugged into the TV. Now, however, even with these advanced features and lower prices, the industry really seems to have been replaced by apps on the smart phone and tablet which can magnify books, price tags, etc. We have since shifted our focus to non electronic low vision devices such as powerful reading glasses.
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 This is a high quality portable digital magnifier with power up to 10X, and suprisingly affordable at only $795.00

Maryland Equipment Link

Do you need disability-related equipment, but can't afford to buy it new?
The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP )
has recently launched "Equipment Link," an on-line classified ad system for used assistive technology. It works like the "want ads" section of your local newspaper.

Affordable Electronic Magnifier

Macular Degeneration Article

FYI- Here is an online article that does a great job of explaining Macular Degeneration.

9X Led Pocket magnifier

Only $7.95, this small magnifier is powerful at 9X, and quite portable. Put it right in your pocket!

6X Stand Magnifier

This 6X Stand magnifier is the featured product of the day, because-
1. It's powerful
2. At $14.95, it's affordable
3. You don't need to hold it; it stands on its own.

The Lion's Club

The Lion's Club has been in the forefront of helping end preventable blindness.

Prismatic Optical Lenses in high powers

These Prismatic Optical Glasses are available in very high powers of +6.00, +8.00, +10.00 and +12.00

They are superior quality, hand ground, which means they are distortion free, offering a crystal clear magnification.

Even if you look through the edges of the lens, the image is clear. This means the focal point is much larger than normal reading glasses, and may help people with conditions such as macular degeneration, who rely on more of their peripheral vision to see.

Audio Book source

Here is a site with a large selection of audio books. http://www.buyaudiobook.com/audio-books/ Sometimes, it may take awhile before you can find the proper visual aid that can help you read again. In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to try out audio books.

Self-Help website for Vision Loss

The following website is rife with FREE information and self-help tips for people with vision loss, on topics ranging from eye disorders and rehabilitation services to tips for independent living and advice on coping with vision loss.

http://www.visionaware.org/

Today's feature on our website are Prismatic Glasses, which are available from strenght +6.00 up to +12.00. Also, the lenses are non-distortion and hand ground which means images magnified are pristine. Sometimes these prismatic glasses can help where the same strength in regular over-the-counter readers don't.

DebSpecs Low Vision Aid Blog

Hi, I'm Debby. Over 20 years ago, I started Debby Burk Optical so people could find a fashionable altenative to reading glasses than they could find in their drugstore. And in 2008 we are shipping affordable eyewear to you, all over the world.

In 25 years, many of our customers have grown old with us, and needed stronger glasses not normally available in retail stores. So in response, we added glasses that are over +4.00, and expanded our line to include Low Vision Aids, such as big button phone, affordable video magnifiers, high power magnifiers and much, much more.

Because we are in touch with so many visually impaired people and their families, I am starting this blog as a resourse for Low Vision information. I hope it helps someone, as I hope my products do. This mission is also personal, as my father suffered from macular degeneration in his later years. This blog will be a learning experience for me as I embark on a journey of web research, so if you have any suggestions, please comment here and share.

xo,
Debby