Low Vision Forum

These pages are both for practitioners and patients to exchange ideas on the best use of low vision aids

Section 1.
Links to useful sources
Source 1
Section 2.
This is the story of BL. Faced with failing vision requiring a close reading distance of only 8cms, and wishing to continue with his Open University course, BL constructed his own reading device which has enabled him to continue his reading and studies.

BL's best vision is 6/24 ^(20/80), and has necessitated a reading addition of 12 dioptres. The very close reading distance gives him a wide field of view but a difficult close focus. In consequence of this, it becomes difficult to hold books and other reading material at the exact distance
This system developed by him enables him to move his books both laterally and vertically without strain on his arms or eyes.

The system is as follows:-

The book is held on the book holding board by a rest at the base and 2 hosiery elastic strips. The book holding board can be moved both vertically and horizontally and is counterbalanced by a weight operating through a pulley at the top of th unit. The flat computer screen can also be placed onto the book holding board.
The counterbalance needs to be housed properly to stop it swinging when the unit is moved around.
The whole unit can be wheeled into place over the arms of a comfortable chair so that reading is at the close distance required by the magnifying spectacles.