Persons with low visual acuity can read with a TV magnifier, according to a survey of 280 users of the aid in the Netherlands. Survey respondents found the TV magnifier indispensible for such tasks as reading, writing, and looking at photographs. The survey also identified structural and instructional problems, and the authors offer suggestions for improving the aid, which will lead to its wider use.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BlankenagelA., and JaegerW.Erste Erfahrungen mit dem Fernseh-Lesegerät für hochgradic sehbehinderte.Klin. MbI. Augenheilk, 1972, 160, 732.
2.
BlankenagelA., and JaegerW.Erfahrungen mit dem Fernseh-Lesegerat in einer Blindenschule.Klin. Mbl. Augenheilk, 1972, 161, 467.
3.
BoumaH., EngelF. L., & MélotteH. E. M.Technological devices for the visually handicapped: Gap between research effort and available aids.IPO Annual Progress Report, 1972, 7, 46–55.
4.
van DunJ. J. A. M., BoumaH., and AlewijnseM. A.TV magnifier as an aid for reading.IPO Annual Progress Report, 1971, 6, 95.
5.
FondaE. G.Evaluation of closed-circuit television as an optical aid for the low-vision patient.The visually handicapped, 1976, 11, 7–22.
6.
Gehandikapten wel geteld, 1971–72 [Census of the handicapped, 1971–72] (CBS); deel 1 [Dutch central office for statistics]. ‘s-Gravenhage, Staatsuitgeverij, 1974.
7.
GenenskyS. M., BaranP., MoshinH. L., and SteingoldH.A closed-circuit TV system for the visually handicapped.AFB Research Bulletin, of 1969, 19, 191.
8.
GenenskyS. M., MoshinH. L., and PetersenH. E.Performance of partially sighted with Randsight I equipped with an X-Y platform.Santa Monica, Calif.: Rand Corporation, 1978.
9.
GenenskyS. M., PetersenH. E., MoshinH. L., ClewettR. W., and YoshimuraR. I.Advances in closed circuit TV systems for the partially sighted.Santa Monica, Calif.: Rand Corporation, 1972.
10.
GrayP. G., and ToddJ. F.Mobility and reading habits of the blind.London, England: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1968.
11.
Janssen-CaprilesG. J. A.Het gebruik van de TV-loep als hulpmiddel voor slecht-zienden [The use of the TV magnifier as an aid for people with poor vision].Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde, 1974, 118, 672. (With a summary in English.)
12.
PameijerJ. K.An investigation of optical corrections for enabling patients with low visual acuity to read.Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Proefschrift, 1959.
13.
PottsA. M., VolkD., and WestS. W.A television reader as a subnormal aid.American Journal of Ophthalmology, 1959, 47, 580.
14.
SilverJ., and FassV. H.Closed circuit television as a low-vision aid—development and application.Ophthalmic optician, 1977, 6, 596.
15.
van VeelenA. W. C., KindsG. F., WijnandsH. S., and BoumaH.Verkennend onderzoek naar de TV-loep als nieuw hulpmiddel voor visueel gehandicapte kinderen bij het lezen. [An orientating investigation into the TV-magnifier as a new aid for visually handicapped children].Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geeneskunde, 1974, 118, 665. (With a summary in English.)
16.
ZabelL., and MelotteH. E. M.Investigation into the use of the television magnifier in the Netherlands.IPO Annual Progress Report, 1978, 13, 117.
