Book Magnifier - Using TV Screen

by Diane
(United States)

I've heard of a reader/book magnifier consisting of a hand held device that is passed over the text and the text then appears on the television screen. Who makes these?

REPLY

Hi Diane,

Yes, there is a device called EZ Read Electronic Reading Aid. EZ Read transforms a television into a visual aid for those with macular degeneration.

Place the EZ Read (like a mouse) directly on top of the reading material to display the magnified image in full color on the television screen.

It connects easily to a TV using the supplied video cable.

The size of the television monitor determines the actual magnification of the item - The larger the monitor, the greater the magnification.

5.3x on a 14" television,

6.5x on a 17" television,

8x on a 21" television,

10.3x on a 27" television, and

12.2x on a 32" television

Here is a link to First Street where it can be purchased for $99.95. Go to this link, scroll down a little you will find it listed on the left
as EZ Read Electronic Reading Aid.

firstSTREET TV Magnifier

Kind Regards,

Leslie

P.S. Here is a review by someone with macular degeneration:

"This gadget works well for my wife who has early stage of Macular Degeneration (age related). The price is right to evaluate just what a person will need in the long run.

Some of the add-ons I would like to see are:

1) transmitter and receiver so that it could be used wirelessly in a WiFi mode

2) Ability to double the width of the field of view.

3) Many newer TV's and Monitors do not have Video/component/RCA input os but are going to DVI, HDMI, S input Etc. Adapters or additional cables are needed.

I realize this would increase the cost and would require it to be an additional model.

Bottom line the EZ Reader is a great and useful buy for less than $100. You can not go wrong to try one.

Regards Fred

Reading and Macular Degeneration

by Toni
(Adrian, Mi)

I am writing on behalf of my Mother who has Macular Degeneration. She was diagnosed many years ago and unfortunately they are unable to help regain her sight.

She has wet in one eye and dry in the other.
They have given her many items to help her in her home, but I am trying to find "something" to allow her to possibly be able to see the TV or even possibly to read?

Although with my Mom I do not believe they have anything to help her as when she looks at anything all she is able to see is a Black Dot, but she does have peripheral vision.

I am so proud of her to be able to do what she can with such little sight` But to be able to help regain just a little bit more to allow her to possibly see to read etc would be a Dream come True.

She does see a Retina Specialist once a Year~ And has had people come to her home to help her "Use" the sight she does have.

Anything you can recommend would be Greatly Appreciated!!
Thank You,
Toni

Reply

Hi Toni,

How great your mom has you to help her with her adjustment to macular degeneration and to understand some of the frutration she has with her loss of central vision.

Two possible suggestions:

1) I know your mom has had someone come to the home to help her with certain activities there. And maybe she already has had this conversation with a low vision rehab specialist, but in case she has not, she should make an appointment with a low vision optician with the specific goal of wanting to be able to read.

Perhaps with the combination of better task lighting, magnifiers, and large print books she may be able to read - maybe not.

Reading Magnifier

2. Eccentric Viewing

This technique helps adults and children maximize their vision through learning to view objects with their peripheral vision.

Eccentric viewing training teaches a person to look slightly to the side so that the blind spot or scotoma is not in their central field of vision. One author describes it as "not looking at what you want to see."

To learn more about this technique click here:

Eccentric Viewing

Let me know if any of these options work for her.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN