Abstract
□ 1. Thirty consecutively selected low vision patients were evaluated on their performance in viewing a standard near-point chart and selected materials. This was done unaided and then with their customary low-vision aid, first hand-held and then viewed in the Optiscope Enlarger.
2. All subjects demonstrated an ability to read smaller point chart type and to do so at a greater distance with the Optiscope Enlarger. Varied responses on the selected materials might be attributable to word reading difficulties or the effect of the causative defect.
3. Some subjects did better without their low-vision aids or went to distance prescription lenses while using the Optiscope Enlarger. Use of this type of device indicates the necessity for testing for greater distance than normally associated with low-vision aids.
4. Responses of the subjects were 18 favorable, five questionable, and seven negative. It was found that room illumination had to be varied in certain cases.
5. Use of this device would permit simultaneous viewing by parent and child at home, reading at more normal distances, greater word and phrase span, and the viewing of technical diagrams.
6. The results of this evaluation indicate that the Optiscope Enlarger is of substantial value and warrants further investigation.
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