Low vision aids

Being diagnosed with a macular condition can be worrying. You might wonder how you will cope with everyday tasks. Macular conditions affect your central vision which can make reading, seeing detail and recognising faces difficult. 

You may be concerned about losing your independence and not being able to enjoy activities like reading. Having macular disease needn’t mean losing control of your life.  

There is lots of support available. This includes professional services and a growing range of equipment called ‘low vision aids’. 

These could be items like magnifiers or large-print products, or they could be electronic devices such as tablets, computers and phones. They help you use your vision more easily and make everyday tasks simpler. 

You may find that things take a little longer, but by learning some new techniques you can feel more independent in your daily life. 

Resource centres and low vision services

Your local society for the visually impaired may have a resource centre or a demonstration kitchen where you can learn about assistive equipment that could support you and help you to be more independent. 

Staff or volunteers are trained to demonstrate a variety of useful items and answer your questions. You may find equipment such as task lighting, electronic magnifiers, talking microwaves and accessible mobile phones. 

You can ask your GP, optician, Eye Care Liaison Officer or eye specialist for a referral. The helpline (available on 0300 3030 111) may also have information about your local services. 

What if I can’t access a resource centre?

If you are unable to visit a resource centre, there are many low vision aid suppliers who sell directly to individuals.  

You can also find a lot of useful items in non-specialist high street shops, including brightly coloured cups, multi-coloured chopping board packs, large clocks and big button phones. 

Low vision services

Local Social Services sensory impairment teams can provide information and practical advice on daily living skills, such as preparing food and getting out and about more safely. 

A low vision assessment can help you decide what low vision aids will be useful to you and show you how to use them. Your consultant or GP can refer you to a low vision service for an assessment. 

Do you need help with technology?

Basic smartphone skills can boost independence, allowing you to zoom in on food labels while shopping or access bus timetables while out and about. 

If you would like help to make the most of technology, the Macular Society’s Connect by Tech service is here to help. Our team of trained volunteers offer one-to-one telephone support with everyday technology like laptops and computers, tablets, smartphones, smart speakers and more. 

All you need to do is call our helpline or send an email to techtalk@macularsociety.org and explain what you would like to learn more about.

Lighting

Good lighting at home is important, particularly if you have poor vision. Everyone needs a different amount of light. 

To find the right level for you, start with the task light further away from the object you need to see and then slowly move it closer, until you find a comfortable level of light. Moving the light closer makes things much brighter.  

You might need extra lighting for activities like reading, preparing food or other close work.  

Effective task lighting can help illuminate what you’re doing and make it easier to identify detail and colours. 

When buying a task lamp, ask yourself the following questions: 

• What activities do I want it for? 
• Would a table-top, floor-standing or wall-mounted one be best? 
• How easy is it to adjust its position to get the light where I need it? 
• Does the shade stop the light shining directly into my eyes when the lamp is positioned below eye level? 

Magnifiers and task lighting

If you are using a magnifier with task lighting, keep the magnifier parallel to the light so that you look through it onto a well-lit object. Don’t put the magnifier under the light because this causes reflections and pools of light on the object.

Support for you 

Do you need help choosing a low vision aid? Call our helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org 

For technology and gadget queries, you can also email techtalk@macularsociety.org

  
FAQs  

What is a low vision aid? 

A low vision aid is an item that can help you make the best use of your vision and allow you to live more independently. 

What are the different types of low vision aid? 

The main types of low vision aid are: 

• magnifiers – that use either lenses or cameras to make things look bigger 
• products that use colour or contrast to make them easier to see 
• items that are larger in size, e.g. large wall clock or a large landline phone 
• large-print products. 

What is the best way to use a magnifier? 

Sit comfortably in an upright position, supporting your arms with cushions if needed. Attach what you’re reading to a clipboard or place it on a table for a firm surface. Bring the item closer to your eye, and remember to look away and blink every few minutes to rest your eyes. 

What is a low vision assessment? 

 A low vision assessment helps you make the best use of your remaining vision. An optometrist measures your useful vision and recommends suitable aids. You can ask for a referral when everyday tasks, like reading, become difficult even with normal glasses and good lighting. 

Can a low vision aid help me to read? 

Yes, magnifiers, tablets or smartphones can help enlarge text to make it easier to read. Reading stands, anti-glare glasses and task lights can help too. Large print text is especially helpful and widely available in most libraries. 

Are low vision aids expensive? 

No, many low vision aids are inexpensive. A low vision assessment can help find the most suitable aid for you and should be able to provide magnifiers on a long-term loan so you can try them at home. 

Do I need training in how to use a low vision aid? 

A low vision assessment can help show you how to use a low vision aid or you can reach out to your local resource centre for demonstrations and one-to-one guidance. 

How can my smartphone act as a low vision aid? 

 You can use your smartphone camera to zoom in and enlarge text or objects - especially helpful for reading labels or packaging. There are also many apps designed to support people with sight loss. To find out more, contact our Helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email techtalk@macularsociety.org. 

Join our Macular Society community 

To learn more about low vision aids, the latest research and tips for living well with sight loss, become a member today.  

As a member you will receive a welcome pack and our quarterly Sideview magazine – exclusively for members, which is packed with research news, technology tips, daily living advice and inspirational stories.  

Membership is £22 per year but you can get your first six months free when you sign up. Call 01264 350 551 or visit macularsociety.org/joinnow 

You can also sign up to our monthly email newsletter to stay updated with research, treatment, advice, fundraising, events and more.