Low Vision Aids: Types, Devices & How to Get Them

What Are Low Vision Aids?

Low vision aids are specialized devices and technologies that help people with visual impairments perform everyday tasks more independently. They work by magnifying text and images, converting visual information to audio or tactile formats, or helping users navigate their environment safely. Common types include optical magnifiers, electronic video magnifiers, screen readers, Braille displays, and mobility aids.

Low vision is defined by the World Health Organization as visual acuity of less than 6/18 (20/60) but equal to or better than 3/60 (20/400) in the better eye with best correction. However, many people with less severe vision loss also benefit substantially from assistive devices. The key criterion is not a specific number on an eye chart, but whether your vision impairment makes it difficult to perform activities that are important to you.

Low vision aids do not cure or restore lost vision. Instead, they help you make the most of your remaining vision or provide alternative ways to access information and perform tasks. Most people with low vision have some useful remaining sight, and the goal of low vision aids is to optimize the use of that residual vision while supplementing it with other senses like hearing and touch.

The range of available low vision aids has expanded dramatically in recent years, driven by advances in digital technology. While traditional optical magnifiers remain valuable, electronic devices, smartphones, and computer software now offer sophisticated solutions that were unimaginable a generation ago. Many people use a combination of different aids depending on the task at hand — for example, a handheld magnifier for reading price tags at the store, a desktop video magnifier for reading mail at home, and screen reading software for using a computer at work.

According to WHO data, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide have a vision impairment, and at least 1 billion of these have a condition that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. Low vision aids represent a critical intervention for improving quality of life, independence, and participation in society for people whose vision loss cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery.

What Types of Low Vision Aids Are Available?

Low vision aids fall into several categories: optical magnifiers (handheld, stand-mounted, spectacle-mounted), electronic video magnifiers (desktop and portable CCTV systems), speech-based aids (screen readers, talking clocks, DAISY players), Braille devices, computer and smartphone adaptations, household labeling aids, and mobility aids including white canes and guide dogs. The best choice depends on your type of vision loss and daily needs.

The world of low vision aids is diverse, and understanding the different categories helps you and your rehabilitation team identify which devices will be most helpful for your specific situation. Each type of aid addresses different challenges, and most people benefit from a combination of several devices for different tasks and environments.

Modern low vision aids can be broadly divided into optical devices that use lenses to magnify images, electronic devices that use cameras and screens to enlarge and enhance visual information, non-visual aids that convert information to speech or touch, and environmental modifications that make surroundings easier to navigate. The technology continues to evolve rapidly, with artificial intelligence now enabling features like real-time scene description and text recognition that were once the realm of science fiction.

Optical Magnifying Devices

Optical magnifiers are among the oldest and most widely used low vision aids. They use specially ground lenses to enlarge text and images, making them easier to see. Despite the growth of electronic alternatives, optical magnifiers remain popular because they are lightweight, portable, require no batteries or charging, and are often available at lower cost than electronic options.

Types of optical magnifiers include strong reading glasses (often with much higher magnification than ordinary reading glasses), handheld magnifying glasses and loupes, stand magnifiers that rest on the reading surface (useful for people with tremor or limited hand dexterity), telescopic devices for distance viewing such as reading signs or watching performances, and clip-on magnifiers that attach to existing spectacles. The appropriate magnification power depends on your remaining vision and the task you need to perform.

Electronic Video Magnifiers (CCTV)

Electronic video magnifiers, also known as closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, use a camera to capture text or images and display them enlarged on a screen. Desktop models feature a large screen and a movable reading platform, while portable models range from tablet-sized devices to small handheld units that fit in a pocket. Electronic magnifiers offer several advantages over optical magnifiers: they provide a wider range of magnification (often from 2x to 70x or more), they can adjust contrast and color settings (for example, displaying white text on a black background), and they allow both near and distance viewing.

Desktop video magnifiers are particularly valuable for extended reading tasks, such as going through correspondence, reading books, or doing crossword puzzles. The large screen and adjustable reading table make it possible to read for longer periods without the fatigue associated with holding a magnifier. Portable electronic magnifiers have become increasingly capable, with modern devices offering autofocus, freeze-frame, and the ability to save images for later viewing.

Talking and Audio-Based Aids

For people whose vision loss makes reading difficult even with magnification, audio-based aids provide an important alternative way to access information. These devices convert text to spoken words or provide audible output for tasks that normally require vision. Common talking aids include DAISY players (Digital Accessible Information System), which play specially formatted audiobooks with advanced navigation features; talking clocks and watches; talking kitchen scales, thermometers, and measuring tools; color identifiers that audibly describe the color of objects; and text-scanning devices that use optical character recognition (OCR) to read printed text aloud.

Audio-based aids are particularly valuable in the kitchen and around the home, where tasks like setting timers, measuring ingredients, checking temperatures, and identifying packaged foods require visual information. Modern talking aids are compact, affordable, and designed for ease of use, often with large buttons and simple interfaces that are accessible to people with limited vision.

Braille and Tactile Devices

Braille remains an important tool for literacy and information access, particularly for people who are blind or have very severe vision loss. Low vision aids for Braille include manual and electric Braille writing machines (such as the Perkins Brailler), Braille embossers (printers that produce Braille output from a computer), refreshable Braille displays that connect to computers and smartphones to present text as tactile dots, and Braille note-taking devices that combine a Braille keyboard with speech output and connectivity features.

Refreshable Braille displays are particularly significant because they bridge the gap between digital technology and tactile reading. These devices use an array of small pins that rise and fall to form Braille characters, allowing users to read computer screens, websites, e-books, and other digital content by touch. They work alongside screen reading software and are essential tools for many blind and severely visually impaired professionals, students, and everyday users.

Computer and Smartphone Adaptations

Modern computers, smartphones, and tablets include powerful built-in accessibility features that serve as effective low vision aids at no additional cost. On computers, screen magnification software (such as Windows Magnifier or macOS Zoom) enlarges portions of the screen, while screen readers (such as NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver) read the entire screen content aloud. High contrast themes, cursor enlargement, and text-to-speech capabilities are standard features on all major operating systems.

Smartphones and tablets have become particularly transformative for people with low vision. Built-in features include screen magnification, adjustable text size and bold text, color filters and high contrast modes, voice assistants (Siri, Google Assistant), and comprehensive screen readers (VoiceOver on iOS, TalkBack on Android). Beyond built-in features, thousands of specialized apps are available that can identify objects and scenes, read printed text through the camera, detect colors, provide GPS navigation with audio guidance, and even connect users with sighted volunteers for live video assistance. Many low vision rehabilitation programs now include smartphone and tablet training as a core component.

Mobility and Orientation Aids

Getting around safely is one of the most important aspects of independent living, and several low vision aids address this need. The white cane is the most recognizable mobility aid for visually impaired people. There are different types: the long cane (also called a technique cane or mobility cane) is used to detect obstacles, steps, and curbs; the identification cane (or symbol cane) is shorter and signals to others that the user has a visual impairment; and folding canes can be compacted for storage when not in use.

Guide dogs are specially trained to help people who are blind or have severe vision loss navigate their environment safely. They are trained to follow directional commands, avoid obstacles, stop at curbs and stairs, and judge the height and width of openings. Guide dogs undergo extensive training before being matched with a handler, and the handler also receives training in how to work effectively with the dog. While guide dogs are not suitable for everyone, they provide a high degree of independence and companionship for many users.

How Do I Get Low Vision Aids?

To get low vision aids, start by visiting an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) if you have difficulty with daily tasks despite wearing your best corrective lenses. They will evaluate your vision and, if appropriate, refer you to a low vision rehabilitation center where a specialized team will assess your needs, recommend devices, provide training, and arrange follow-up support.

The process of obtaining low vision aids typically begins with recognizing that your vision is affecting your daily life in ways that regular glasses cannot fix. Perhaps you can no longer read the newspaper, recognize faces across a room, see street signs while walking, or cook meals safely. These are signs that a low vision evaluation might be helpful.

Your first step should be to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who can perform a comprehensive eye examination. This examination will determine the exact nature of your vision loss, identify any underlying eye disease that may need treatment, and assess whether low vision aids could help. The eye doctor may treat any treatable conditions first and then refer you to a low vision rehabilitation service if your vision remains impaired.

At a low vision rehabilitation center, you will typically be seen by a multidisciplinary team that may include a low vision optometrist, an ophthalmologist, an occupational therapist, an orientation and mobility specialist, a social worker or counselor, and technology specialists. This team approach ensures that all aspects of your visual impairment are addressed — not just reading, but also cooking, mobility, work, hobbies, and emotional well-being.

The referral process and the structure of low vision services vary between countries and healthcare systems. In some countries, low vision rehabilitation is provided through public health services at no cost to the patient. In others, it may be available through specialized clinics, university programs, charitable organizations, or private practitioners. Your eye doctor or local health authority can advise you on the services available in your area.

How Is My Need for Low Vision Aids Assessed?

Your need for low vision aids is assessed through a detailed evaluation at a rehabilitation center. A specialist examines your remaining vision, discusses which daily activities are difficult for you, evaluates your physical abilities and living situation, and determines which types of devices would be most helpful. A family member or caregiver can participate in the assessment if you wish.

The assessment process is thorough and person-centered. Unlike a standard eye examination that focuses primarily on measuring visual acuity and eye health, a low vision assessment focuses on how your vision loss affects your daily functioning and what can be done to improve it. The assessor will want to understand not just what you can see on an eye chart, but what you can and cannot do in your everyday life.

During the assessment, the specialist will measure your visual acuity at different distances, test your contrast sensitivity (ability to distinguish objects from their background), evaluate your visual field (peripheral vision), assess your reading ability with different levels of magnification, discuss your specific goals and priorities, and consider factors like hand steadiness, cognitive ability, and motivation to learn new devices. All of these factors influence which aids will be most suitable.

The assessment is collaborative — you are the expert on your own daily life and challenges, and the specialist is the expert on available devices and techniques. Together, you develop a rehabilitation plan that addresses your most important needs. A family member, friend, or caregiver is welcome to participate, as they can provide valuable perspective on how vision loss affects daily activities and may also need to learn how to support you in using your new devices.

It is important to understand that assessment is not a one-time event. Vision conditions can change over time, and your needs may evolve as you adapt to living with vision loss or as your circumstances change (for example, starting a new job or developing additional health conditions). Most rehabilitation centers offer follow-up assessments and ongoing support to ensure your aids continue to meet your needs.

How Does the Device Fitting Process Work?

After your needs assessment, you try different low vision aids to find the ones that work best for you. The specialist demonstrates each device and lets you practice with real-world tasks. The selection considers both your needs and the available device options in your region. You receive thorough training before taking devices home.

The device fitting process is practical and hands-on. Rather than simply being told which device to use, you get to try multiple options and experience the difference each one makes. The specialist may start by demonstrating optical magnifiers of different powers, then move to electronic options, and finally explore non-visual aids like screen readers or talking devices. For each device, you practice with tasks that are relevant to your daily life — reading a newspaper, writing a check, looking at photographs, or reading a medicine label.

The fitting process takes into account several practical factors beyond just visual performance. The specialist considers your physical abilities (for example, whether you can hold a magnifier steadily), your comfort with technology, the environments where you will use the device, and how portable or compact it needs to be. A device that works perfectly in a quiet clinic may be less practical on a crowded bus, and vice versa.

In many healthcare systems, the specific devices available to you depend on procurement agreements between your regional health authority and device manufacturers. Your prescriber will work within these guidelines while still ensuring you receive the most appropriate aid. If several suitable devices are available, you should be given the opportunity to choose based on your preferences.

Training Is Essential

Receiving a low vision aid without proper training is like getting a prescription without knowing how to take the medication. Training is a critical part of the fitting process, and your prescriber or rehabilitation specialist has a responsibility to ensure you can use your device effectively before you take it home. Training may involve multiple sessions, especially for complex electronic devices or screen reading software, and may include home visits to practice using the aids in your actual living environment.

The training process covers not only the technical operation of the device but also practical strategies for integrating it into your daily routine. For example, a person receiving a desktop video magnifier will learn not only how to adjust the magnification and contrast, but also the best lighting, seating position, and techniques for tracking text smoothly across the screen. Similarly, someone learning to use a screen reader will practice navigating menus, reading web pages, and managing files.

What About Low Vision Aids for Children?

Children with low vision can benefit from the same categories of aids as adults, with devices adapted for their age, developmental stage, and educational needs. Early intervention is especially important, as appropriate aids support visual development, learning, and social participation. Children should be involved in choosing their aids, and schools may provide additional specialized equipment.

Low vision in children presents unique considerations. Unlike adults who have lost vision after developing visual skills, children with congenital or early-onset vision loss are still developing their visual abilities, and the right aids can support this development. Pediatric low vision assessment takes into account not only current visual function but also developmental milestones, educational requirements, and the child's ability to understand and cooperate with testing.

For younger children, low vision aids tend to be simpler and more durable, such as strong magnifiers with built-in lighting, large-print books, and high-contrast learning materials. As children grow older and their academic demands increase, they may benefit from electronic magnifiers, screen magnification software on computers and tablets, and eventually screen readers and other advanced assistive technology. Many school systems provide specialized equipment and support through their special education services.

Involving children in the selection of their aids is important for acceptance and compliance. Children are more likely to use devices that they feel comfortable with and that don't make them feel different from their peers. A child who finds a device embarrassing may refuse to use it, regardless of its effectiveness. Rehabilitation specialists who work with children understand these dynamics and work to find solutions that are both effective and acceptable to the young user.

How Can Low Vision Aids Help at Work and School?

Specialized low vision aids can enable people with visual impairments to participate fully in education and employment. Workplace and school accommodations may include screen magnification software, CCTV systems, screen readers, large monitors, task lighting, and ergonomic workstation setup. Many countries have vocational rehabilitation programs and disability employment services that fund workplace aids.

The right assistive technology can make the difference between being able to work or study and being excluded from these opportunities. In the workplace, low vision aids help with tasks such as reading documents and emails, using computer software, participating in meetings, navigating the building, and performing specific job tasks. The particular aids needed depend entirely on the nature of the work and the individual's vision loss.

For computer-based work, which is the norm in many professions, the combination of screen magnification software and a large high-resolution monitor can be transformative. These tools allow users to enlarge text and images to a comfortable size while still maintaining a useful overview of the screen. For more severe vision loss, screen readers like JAWS (Job Access With Speech), NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), or VoiceOver provide comprehensive access to computer systems through speech output, allowing completely blind users to perform complex tasks including programming, data analysis, and document creation.

In educational settings, students with low vision may need access to enlarged textbooks, electronic magnifiers for reading printed materials, accessible digital versions of course materials, assistive technology for note-taking and examinations, and accommodations such as extended time for tests and preferential seating. Educational institutions in many countries have a legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, including visual impairments.

Many countries offer vocational rehabilitation programs that fund workplace aids and accommodations for people with visual impairments. These programs may cover the cost of assistive devices, workplace modifications, and training. Contact your local employment services agency or disability support organization for information about available programs in your area.

What Practical Tips Help with Low Vision at Home?

Simple home modifications can complement low vision aids: improve lighting, increase contrast (dark dishes for light food and vice versa), use tactile markers on appliances, organize belongings consistently, and use talking or large-display versions of clocks, thermometers, and scales. Many of these strategies cost little or nothing and can significantly improve daily independence.

Beyond specialized devices, many practical strategies can make daily life easier with low vision. These environmental modifications and everyday techniques are often taught as part of a low vision rehabilitation program, and they complement rather than replace assistive devices. Many people find that a combination of appropriate aids and smart strategies gives them the greatest independence.

Lighting is one of the most important and often overlooked factors. Most people with low vision benefit from brighter, more focused lighting than typical household illumination provides. A good task lamp with an adjustable arm, positioned to shine directly on your reading material or work surface without causing glare, can make a dramatic difference. Natural daylight is generally the best light for seeing, so arranging your workspace near a window (with blinds or curtains to control glare) can be helpful.

Contrast enhancement is another powerful strategy. Using dark-colored cutting boards for light-colored foods (and light boards for dark foods), pouring coffee into a white mug, using dark pens on white paper, marking stair edges with contrasting tape, and choosing appliances with high-contrast controls all make tasks easier to manage with limited vision. Tactile markers — such as raised dots, rubber bands, or textured tape placed on appliance dials, remote controls, and thermostats — allow you to identify settings by touch rather than sight.

Organization and consistency are also key strategies. Keeping items in designated places, using labeled containers for pantry items, organizing medications in pill organizers, and maintaining a consistent routine all reduce the need for visual searching. Many people with low vision find that putting a timer on when cooking, using a liquid level indicator to avoid overfilling cups, and positioning cutting boards on non-slip mats improve kitchen safety and confidence.

• Lighting: Use bright, focused task lighting and reduce glare from windows and shiny surfaces
• Contrast: Use dark dishes for light food and vice versa; choose high-contrast color combinations
• Tactile markers: Place raised dots or textured tape on appliance controls, remote controls, and thermostats
• Organization: Keep items in consistent places and label containers with large print or tactile markers
• Kitchen safety: Use timers, liquid level indicators, and non-slip mats; sit closer to the TV for better viewing
• Smartphone features: Enable built-in accessibility settings (magnification, voice assistant, high contrast mode)

How Much Do Low Vision Aids Cost?

Costs for low vision aids vary widely depending on the type of device and your location. Simple optical magnifiers may cost from $10 to $200, while electronic video magnifiers range from $200 to $3,500 or more. In many countries, low vision aids are provided at no cost or subsidized through public health services, disability programs, or charitable organizations. Coverage varies by region.

The cost of low vision aids ranges enormously, from inexpensive simple magnifiers to sophisticated electronic systems costing thousands of dollars. Understanding the cost landscape and available funding sources is important for making informed decisions about your assistive technology needs.

At the lower end of the cost spectrum, basic handheld magnifiers and reading glasses can be purchased for modest amounts. Simple talking clocks and large-button telephones are also relatively affordable. At the higher end, desktop electronic video magnifiers, refreshable Braille displays, and specialized computer software can represent significant investments. However, it is important to note that many of the most useful low vision aids — particularly smartphone accessibility features and free screen reading software like NVDA — cost nothing at all.

Funding for low vision aids varies significantly between countries and regions. In many countries, government health services or disability support programs provide essential low vision aids at no cost to eligible individuals. Some systems require the user to pay a modest co-payment, while others fully fund all prescribed devices. Private health insurance may cover certain devices with appropriate medical documentation. Additionally, numerous non-profit organizations, charities, and foundations offer grants or loans of assistive devices for people who cannot afford them.

It is worth noting that the cost of an aid should be weighed against its impact on your independence and quality of life. A device that enables you to continue working, manage your household independently, or maintain your social connections has value far beyond its price tag. Your low vision rehabilitation team can help you navigate available funding options and make the most cost-effective choices for your situation.

Can I Buy Low Vision Aids on My Own?

Yes, you can purchase many low vision aids directly from retailers, online stores, and specialist suppliers without a prescription. However, it is recommended to have a professional low vision assessment first, as a specialist can help identify the devices that will work best for your specific type of vision loss. Self-purchased aids may not be covered by insurance or public funding.

While a professional low vision evaluation is strongly recommended, there is nothing stopping you from purchasing many types of low vision aids independently. Simple optical magnifiers, talking clocks, large-print items, and many electronic magnifiers are available through general retailers, specialized low vision product suppliers, and online marketplaces. Smartphone accessibility features are already built into your phone and simply need to be activated in the settings menu.

However, there are good reasons to seek professional guidance before investing in low vision aids, particularly more expensive ones. A low vision specialist can help you avoid purchasing devices that are inappropriate for your type of vision loss (for example, a magnifier with too high or too low magnification), identify needs you may not have recognized, ensure you receive proper training, and connect you with funding sources that could cover or subsidize the cost. People who purchase devices without professional guidance are more likely to end up with aids that sit unused in a drawer because they don't quite meet their needs or because they were never properly trained to use them.

What Happens After I Receive My Low Vision Aids?

After receiving your low vision aids, you use them as long as they meet your needs and function properly. Your rehabilitation center provides information about maintenance, repairs, and who to contact if problems arise. If your vision changes or your needs evolve, you can request a reassessment. In many health systems, you return borrowed devices when you no longer need them.

Receiving your low vision aids is not the end of the process — it is the beginning of learning to live more independently with them. The first weeks with a new device involve a period of adjustment as you develop the skills and habits needed to use it effectively in your daily routine. Some devices, like a simple magnifier, may feel natural almost immediately, while others, like screen reading software, require considerable practice before they become second nature.

Your rehabilitation center should provide you with clear information about how to care for and maintain your devices, where to get repairs if something breaks, and who to contact if you have questions or difficulties. Most electronic devices have warranty coverage, and many health systems include maintenance and repair services as part of the aid provision. It is important to keep your devices in good condition, as damage or deterioration can reduce their effectiveness.

If your vision changes, if you develop new difficulties, or if your existing aids no longer meet your needs, you should contact your prescriber to request a reassessment. Vision conditions can progress, and the aids that were ideal a year ago may need to be supplemented or replaced. Similarly, changes in your life circumstances — such as a new job, retirement, or a change in living situation — may create new needs that your current aids don't address.

In many healthcare systems, low vision aids that are provided through public funding are loaned rather than given to the user. This means that when you no longer need a device (for example, if you upgrade to a newer model or if your vision improves after treatment), you are expected to return it so that it can be refurbished and provided to another person. If you move to a different region, you should contact your prescriber to discuss whether your aids can travel with you.

What Can I Do If I Am Not Satisfied with My Aids?

If you are not satisfied with your low vision aids, contact your prescriber first. You may need additional training, a different device, or a new needs assessment. If you cannot resolve the issue with your prescriber, you can contact the manager of the rehabilitation center or your local patient advocacy service for further support.

Dissatisfaction with low vision aids is not uncommon and should be addressed promptly rather than ignored. There are many possible reasons why a device may not be meeting your expectations: you may need more practice and training, the device may not be the right choice for your specific needs, your vision may have changed since the original assessment, or the device may be faulty.

Your first step should be to contact the prescriber who provided the device. They can evaluate whether the problem is related to technique (in which case additional training may help), device selection (in which case trying alternative devices may be warranted), or changed needs (in which case a new assessment may be needed). Open communication with your rehabilitation team is essential, as they cannot help if they don't know there is a problem.

If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, most healthcare systems provide mechanisms for complaint and advocacy. You can request to see a different specialist, contact the manager of the rehabilitation center, or reach out to patient advocacy organizations in your area. Many countries also have disability rights organizations and vision impairment charities that can provide independent advice and support.