What Low Vision Aids Can You Use With High Powered Readers?

The Power of Combination: Maximizing Vision with Multiple Tools

When it comes to low vision, it’s a common misconception that a single product will solve all your needs. The reality is that maximizing your vision often involves a combination of different tools and strategies working together. While prism readers are a fantastic solution for magnification, they are just one piece of a larger puzzle.

In low vision care, we focus on five key areas that, when combined, provide the most effective results:

• Magnification: This is where prism readers and other magnifying devices come in, making things appear larger and clearer
• Lighting: The right lighting can dramatically improve your ability to see
• Glare Control: Managing light sources and reflections is crucial to avoid discomfort and visual obstruction
• Contrast Enhancement: Improving the difference between an object and its background can make details more visible
• Technology: This is a vast field of its own, including everything from digital magnifiers to text-to-speech software

A Holistic Approach to Better Vision

The magic happens when you use these tools in combination. For example, in a dimly lit room, you might require a very strong prism reader to see clearly. However, by simply adding sufficient lighting, you might find that you can use a lower-powered reader—or perhaps none at all. As your condition progresses, you may need to pair a high-powered reader with enhanced lighting to maintain your visual clarity.

The goal is not to find a single, one-size-fits-all product. Instead, it’s about creating a personalized system that works for you. By combining devices and strategies, you can maximize your remaining vision and ensure you have the right solution for every situation.

Charlie Saccarelli

President, Chadwick Optical

As President of Chadwick Optical, Charlie Saccarelli is the driving force behind the company’s mission to help every patient left behind by the current health care system. Under his leadership, Chadwick has grown from a simple optical lab into a trusted resource for practitioners around the world looking for ways to help the patients that “can’t be helped.” He is a master optician, a father, a bit of a nerd, and a passionate patient advocate who has lectured worldwide on all things optical.