For many years my low vision access to computer monitor output was to use
a 26 inch monitor with magnifying eyewear, the kind with a headband and
lenses that are about 3 inches in front of the eyes. This enabled me to
have the whole screen displayed, rather than a portion, such as with
ZoomText.  I got down to where I could only see one character at a time,
but even that small amount was very useful in text editing and columnar
work.

Tom Karnes
[log in to unmask]


On Tue, 21 May 2002, Tom Fowle wrote:

> Hi Carol,
> This problem is somewhat more complex than might appear.  I doubt that merely
> getting better resolution will solve your problem.
>
> You should of course try various software techniques for
> magnifying the screen.  That's not my area of knowledge so I'll
> leave it for those that know.
>
> However the loss of a portion of your visual field causes
> particular problems which are unlike other causes of reduced
> vision. The first thing low vision folks will tell you is that
> there are many different kinds of problems that can be called
> "low vision!" and no single solution fits them all.
>
>
> You need to contact someone who is a real specialist in this kind
> of work. I don't know where you are, but if you're in the S.F.
> bay area, I can recommend two places to start looking. If
> Berkeley Calif. is accessible, you need to see the folks at the
> low vision clinic at the U.C. Berkeley school of Optometry.
>
> The trick word here is Low Vision.  Just any optometrist or ophthalmologist
> will not do.
>
> There are techniques, both in software and hardware as well as things you can
> learn to do which will help.
>
> Also, you might wish to contact Dr. Manfred MacKeben here at Smith-Kettlewell
> Eye Research Institute.  He specializes in this area of research
> and has techniques that can be taught to folks in your exact situation that
> can improve reading dramatically.
>
> Manfred's email is
> [log in to unmask]
>
> If you are not in the S.F. area, contact your nearest medical school and find
> if they have a low vision clinic.
>
> do not take the word of your personal eye doc on this kind of thing.  Most
> practicing doctors are completely in the dark regarding what to do when
> you loose vision.  Once you have uncurable loss, they are also at a loss.
>
> Again, I strongly recommend you do some homework before spending lots of
> money on equipment which may well not help.
>
> Unless your son is a low vision specialist with actual experience
>  in this area of work he will not know of the latest techniques.
>
> Also, I've had several friends who've had the same thing happen
> to them, and have made almost complete recoveries.  It does take
> time.
>
> Hope you have success,
> If not, contact me again and I'll try to find you other resources.
>
> Tom fowle
> Rehab engineering Research Center
> Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute
> http://www.ski.org
>
>
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>


VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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[log in to unmask]  In the body of the message, simply type
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