OE Patients

Author: Dorrie Rush

  • GoGo Grandparent Gets An Uber Without An App

    GoGo Grandparent Gets An Uber Without An App

    Uber and Lyft are technology companies operating new-age transportation networks on a global scale. Their names have become synonymous with dated terminology like taxi or cab. They deliver transportation to people where and when they need it. The entire process fully transacted on a  smartphone app.

    Naturally, this seems like a perfect fit for the transportation needs of older adults. But according to a study by PEW Research, less than 1% of Uber customers are 65 and older, while about 4 in 10 seniors are using smartphones.

    Justin Boogaard was living with his Grandma Betty, after college, when she gave him the idea for GoGo Grandparent. Betty noticed her grandson was taking a lot of Ubers wherever he needed to go. She recognized this could be a great way for her to get around as well and she wanted to get in on the action. One problem: Uber can only be summoned by app, and Betty didn’t have a smartphone.

    Image shows a grandmother happy and talking on the phone.
    Image shows a grandmother happy and talking on the phone.

    Necessity is, after all, the grandmother of invention. Justin set out to find Betty an easier way to get an Uber, and a startup was born. GoGo Grandparent takes the app out of the equation as it adds people back in. Less technology and more personal attention open up these transportation services to a significant demographic they would not have otherwise attracted. With GoGo Grandparent the transaction is conducted by phone, with customer service agents. They order the car, communicate with the driver, and monitor your trip.

    There is technically no age requirement, so you don’t actually have to be a Grandparent and you can schedule a ride from any phone you choose. The concierge fee for this service is $0.27 a minute, which means if the ride takes 15 minutes the fee added to your fare is $4.05.

    Uber and Lyft cars are notoriously difficult to locate, particularly if you are visually impaired. GoGo Grandparent can help by making the driver aware and by providing the customer with more detailed location information.

    Image shows a smiling grandfather talking on phone.
    Image shows a smiling grandfather talking on phone.

    GoGo Grandparent recently added a membership requirement and new services – here’s an update.

    Basic Membership

    The basic membership now carries a monthly fee of $9.99, enabling customers to order an Uber or Lyft from any phone, no app required. There is also a Concierge Fee, of $0.27 per minute, added to the fare and billed to your credit card by GoGo Grandparent. No cash is exchanged. Set up custom pick up locations, use voice commands for ordering, and set up family alerts to keep your loved ones in the loop.

    Gold Client Membership

    An upgrade to GoGo Gold Client is $30 a month and and it offers premium perks including:

    • Driver rings your doorbell, buzzer, or house phone
    • Driver accompanies you to the car
    • Gold Client calls are priority transferred to an operator
    • One cancellation free every month
    • Prescription pickup & delivery

    GoGo Gourmet & Grocery Deliveries

    Just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic, GoGo Grandparent expanded its app-free ordering to include food and groceries delivered to your door.  Restaurant orders are fulfilled by delivery services like DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates and Uber Eats, with a Concierge Fee of $6.50 per order for Basic Members, $2 for Gold Clients. Groceries are fulfilled locally by Instacart, Walmart, Postmates and Shipt, with a Concierge Fee of $13 for Basic Members and $5 for Gold Clients.

    If this sounds interesting and you think you’d like to try it out, GoGo will also give you a 30-day free trial.

    Phone: 855.464.6872

    GoGoGrandparent.com

    Please note, this article was not paid for, affiliated with, or endorsed by any third-party companies. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author’s.

    Originally published on October 2, 2017 and updated on June 17, 2020.

  • Ophthalmology in a Time of Corona – Update

    Ophthalmology in a Time of Corona – Update

    Pandemic Patient Policies

    As ophthalmologists move from the urgent care-only phase, to scheduling routine eye exams again, it is important to know how patient safety is being protected. By now, all practices should be posting updated pandemic policies prominently on the homepage of their website, and including the update in the recorded messaging for patients contacting the office by phone. Being aware of the changes you will encounter during your next office visit will elevate your comfort and trust in the process.

     

    Questions that need answers…

    • Can a telemedicine consultation be substituted for your in-person office visit.
    • How is staff being screened for COVID?
    • How is social distance being respected in waiting areas?
    • How is close contact being minimized in exam rooms between patients, doctors, technicians?
    • What is hand washing, sanitizing procedure?
    • What is frequency of sanitizing equipment and surfaces?
    • Are doctors and technicians wearing masks and using breath shields?

     

    Patients should know they need to…

    • Cancel appointment if exposed to or symptomatic of COVID.
    • Be screened for COVID symptoms immediately before appointment.
    • Attend appointment alone, or get authorization for accompanying guest.
    • Wear a mask.
    • Wait to speak until exam is over and doctor or technician can move to a safe distance.

     

    Send us your questions on this topic to [email protected]. We’ll be discussing it again in an upcoming OE Patients Podcast.

    Image shows doctor consulting with patient on screen during video medical visit.
    Image shows doctor consulting with patient on screen during video medical visit.

    Urgent Care During Isolation

    Social distancing measures are having a positive impact in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. They are also forcing change in the provision of healthcare. Ophthalmology, in particular, is conducted at close proximity, and it’s important to understand how that is being addressed. It is very likely that routine eye exams, check-ups and non-urgent procedures will be postponed for a few months. Communicate with your physician or contact  the office to clarify their specific and updated policies.   

    We consulted with our colleague, Yale L. Fisher, MD, retina specialist and founder of Ophthalmic Edge, to provide an overview of changes to patient care initiated by the COVID-19 crisis. To help you navigate the new normal, here are answers to frequently asked questions.  

     

    What is considered essential, urgent or emergent care?

    Essential care is required, by the physician, to maintain or improve an ocular problem that is known.  The physician should be contacted to determine if the treatment must be given on a specific regiment during this period.

    Urgent and emergent care is marked by symptoms causing a sudden deterioration such as eye pain, a change in vision or visual field, double vision, blurred vision or swelling.  Contact a doctor immediately for advice, or go to nearest eye hospital or medical center providing emergency services.  

     

    How does a patient decide when it’s appropriate to visit an ophthalmologist during social distancing restrictions? 

    There are many reasons requiring ongoing treatment or determinations of disease progression. A phone call and discussion with the physician is the best way to assess that need.

     

    How have ophthalmic office procedures changed?

    Most physicians have already altered their routine procedures to include COVID-19 guidelines, incorporating social distancing as well as masks, hand washing and rapid visits. 

     

    In what cases can video visits or telemedicine be substituted?

    Video or telemedicine is useful especially for external eye examination. Questions and answers are definitely enhanced by video and audio communication. Some tests cannot be performed without imaging, especially for retinal or internal ocular problems.  In some cases a local wide field photo and other tests can be performed and sent for evaluation by your physician.

     

    How are patients, staff and doctors protected from spreading Coronavirus? 

    The same techniques as performed in medical facilities including social distance, masks worn by all, hand washing, sanitizing of surfaces, instruments and equipment.

    Prioritizing your health means staying safe and strong during the COVID pandemic. It also means dealing appropriately with healthcare matters that should not be put off.  As always, communication with your provider is is key.

    This article was originally published April 17, 2020 and updated on June 5, 2020.

  • Elevating Accessibility Awareness Everyday

    Elevating Accessibility Awareness Everyday

    Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is recognized on the third Thursday in May, and has been since 2012. The focus on digital access and inclusion has progressed in meaningful ways over the past decade, and the future holds endless possibility. This is an effort that unifies people of all ability.

    At OE we celebrate and elevate accessibility awareness everyday, and we think you should too. For people with vision loss, information about accessibility often travels from person to person, so please go ahead and spread the word!  Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your coworkers and your healthcare providers about the accessibility features in technology devices that promote equal access. Living with uncorrectable vision loss brings many challenges, but utilizing accessible technologies can give us back a sense of normal.

    As we have seen during the COVID pandemic, the use of technology is no longer an option; it is essential. Accessibility doesn’t always just work for you, you must also be willing to work for it. Become an advocate. By helping yourself, you can also help others. Learn about the accessibility of the products and services you engage with. A Google search of any product with the word “accessibility’ is an enlightening exercise – try it.

    Big Tech, as you would imagine, has the most comprehensive accessibility detail available online. They have been building this effort for many years now and it shows. They also offer specialized accessibility support to customers, in the interest of providing an excellent customer experience. Take advantage of these opportunities and always share feedback when you find something that can be improved.

    Here is the pertinent accessibility contact and links for Apple, Microsoft, Google and Amazon, but first we’re sharing our comprehensive list of accessibility phone support lines.

    Accessibility Phone Lines You Should Know

    Universal Access symbol image.
    Universal Access symbol image.

    Apple Accessibility

    Web: apple.com/accessibility

    Phone Accessibility Support: 877-204-3930

    Email Feedback: [email protected]

    Microsoft Accessibility

    web: microsoft.com/accessibiity

    Phone Accessibility Support: 800-936-5900

    Send Accessibility Feedback

    Google Accessibility

    google.com/accessibility

    Accessibility Support on the Be My Eyes app

    Send Accessibility Questions

    Send Accessibility Feedback

    Amazon Accessibility

    amazon.com/accessibility

    Phone Accessibility Support: 888-283-1678

    Send Feedback: [email protected]

  • The New, New Normal

    The New, New Normal

    Until recently the concept of social distancing, or self isolating, was generally discouraged, especially for people with vision loss. Now it’s a necessity for our ongoing health and well-being. Just a few weeks ago, seeing someone veer off course, to avoid getting too close, or refusing to ride an elevator with you, would have felt very strange. Now we are raising a hand to show appreciation for the consideration of the expanded need for personal space. The wave has supplanted the smile, which is no longer detectable under our masks. And with nose and mouth coverings mandated, many more people are finding their ability to recognize faces is temporarily impaired. 

    Image of sign for 6 foot social distance.
    Image of sign for 6 foot social distance.

    So if you’re feeling out of sorts, at this point that would be normal, under the circumstances. While sheltering in place to protect your health, don’t forget about your well-being. You may be having trouble thinking clearly or finding motivation, and that’s okay, your brain is trying to recalibrate. Help the process by being kind to yourself, and to others. This applies whether you are on your own, taking care of family, or being cared for. It would be nice if we could return to the way we were before the pandemic, but that seems unrealistic for anytime soon. We are instead heading toward a new state of “normal.”

    Living with vision loss may add an extra degree of difficulty to the process, but we have already developed and exercised many of the skills that will help carry us through this period of change.  The capacity to recover is rooted in our willingness to adapt, adjust, and accept that life is going to be different. It’s like anything you practice, the more you do the better you get. We also know to stay present – dwelling in the past or on the future, is never constructive. When things are looking dark, we can refocus to a brighter outlook by finding gratitude. 

    Here’s more content on OE to help the adjusting process:

    Improve Your Perspective

    Learning at Any Age with Vision Loss

    The Art of Adjusting

  • Accessing The Arts In Place

    Accessing The Arts In Place

    Unlike most of the world, the Internet was well prepared for a global pandemic. As huge sectors of life shut down, the world wide web expanded to fill in some of the gaps, enabling us to work remotely, educate from a distance, stay connected with loved ones, get food delivered, and visit the doctor via video.

    Online it is also possible to continue enjoying culture and the arts through virtual tour and live-stream video. For people with vision loss, streaming live events can assure a seat front and center. Here are just a few of the options, a Google search will reveal an abundance to choose from. Some opportunities are for a limited period while live gatherings are discouraged.

    Image of main hall of Musee d'Orsay Paris
    Image of main hall of Musee d’Orsay Paris

    Museums

    Social isolation rules have shuttered museums, for the moment, but that doesn’t mean they’ve locked you out. There is practically no limit to the museums and galleries you can visit online. No distancing from the art is required on these tours, so feel free to zoom in and get as close as you want.

    The 10 Best Virtual Museum and Art Gallery Tours

    12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours

    Google Arts & Culture

    Image of Cats Production on Broadway
    Image of Cats Production on Broadway

    Theater

    Andrew Lloyd Webber is gifting access to his mega-hit musicals, including The Phantom of the Opera and Cats, on Youtube for free during the COVID quarantine.  A new show goes live each Friday at 2pm EST and will be viewable for 48 hours. So get to the theater Saturday night, or see a matinee on Sunday.

    The Shows Must Go On

    Broadway HD – a streaming service with access to over 300 shows performed on Broadway and London’s West End, like Kinky Boots and 42nd Street, is offering a 7 day trial free. After that the subscription rate is $8.99 a month. Take your front row seat and catch up on all the hit shows you’ve missed. 

    Image of Met Opera performance
    Image of Met Opera performance

    Opera

    The Metropolitan Opera stage has gone dark for a bit, but do not despair, they’re opening the doors to you digitally. A different encore performance of their most celebrated shows, from the “Live in HD” series, is being streamed for free every evening on MetOpera.org.

    Image of NYC Ballet performance.
    Image of NYC Ballet performance.

    Ballet

    Through May 29, NYC Ballet presents a digital stream of two ballets each week. The altered spring season schedule includes new podcast episodes and movement classes streamed for all ages. Go ahead, get in touch with your inner-ballerina on NYCBallet.org

    Image of Rock Concert
    Image of Rock Concert

    Concerts

    Whatever musical genre moves you at any given moment, YouTube is streaming it all. Search by artist, song, band, orchestra or event. Totally up to the individual, be careful though, once you get in it’s hard to get out.

  • Learning at Any Age with Vision Loss

    Learning at Any Age with Vision Loss

    In these changing times, embracing technology is essential. We’ve resurfaced this popular article to remind you how to adopt and adapt, successfully.

    The path of least resistance is rarely the best route anywhere. There are untold rewards awaiting right outside the comfort zone. This is true for everyone, particularly as we age, and especially as we adjust to a visual impairment or legal blindness.

    There is ample proof that physical fitness rewards us with multiple long-term benefits. Learning new skills is in fact, critical exercise for the brain. Just like weight training or cardio workouts, you will love how good it makes you feel.

    Learning something new is a process we each have many personal references for. It is similar to our earliest learning experiences: learning to ride a bicycle, to swim, to skate or to play an instrument. At first, the prospect seems daunting.  You are inexperienced, wobbly and unsure. But the more you do it, the better you get. At some point, after a fair amount of practice, it becomes ingrained in your muscle memory. You can now do it without really even thinking about it too much. It has become second nature.

    The way you approach learning can be applied to learning anything. For the purpose of adjusting to vision loss, let’s look at it as it pertains to technology. There is no good reason to give up the use of a computer, smartphone, or tablet because of a visual impairment. It means it’s time to learn a new way to use it, employing their built-in accessibility features.

    Many people succeed in learning new things, and many don’t. There are 5 necessary elements to getting the job done and they do not require an inherent skill or aptitude. That means, saying you are not good with technology, for example, is not a valid excuse.

     

    A woman with short hair talking and holding a tablet with lights in the background.
    A woman with short hair talking and holding a tablet with lights in the background.

     

    Here are the 5 key elements that converge in successful learners:

     

    Desire

    They possess a strong personal DESIRE to learn something specific. They are not doing it because someone else wants them to.

    Learning to use an iPad is very broad and feels overwhelming. Learning to use an iPad for email, or to read a book or a newspaper, is specific and manageable. It’s fine to have more than one specific, but it is best to learn one application at a time.

     

    Instruction

    They find tutorials or training. The options for instruction do not have to be structured or formal, they can be accessed by phone, online or in person.

    More advice on this in these articles on OE Patients:

    Savvy Seniors Tech Support Resources

    Accessibility Support Phone Lines You Should Know

    Let iPhone’s VoiceOver do the Reading

     

    Commitment

    They COMMIT to doing the work and get in for the longterm, determined to succeed.

     

    Practice, Practice, Practice

    They are willing to PRACTICE every day for 1-hour, minimum. No excuses. Repetition is pivotal to the process.

     

    Results

    They get RESULTS.  Successful results are the foundation for more of the same.

     

    That’s the simple but winning strategy. Do not forget you have an impressive portfolio of successful learning to draw from.

    This article was originally published April 28, 2018.

  • 8 Things To Do While Distancing

    8 Things To Do While Distancing

    The COVID-19 crisis has taken great liberties with life as we know it. Those of us living with vision loss are all too familiar with the prevailing desire to get back to some semblance of normal. That feeling is now shared by everyone. Social distancing for the time being is a good thing, but it is definitely not an easy task. Our best advice is to take it one day at a time. Do something constructive each day to use the time-out productively.

    1. Listen to a Podcast.

    Invest some time in catching up with a favorite podcast, or binge-listening to a new find. If you haven’t yet taken to podcasts, the time is now. Search for your favorite publications, personalities or topics on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or simply Google a key word + podcast to find some that will be of interest.

    Here are the links to a few of our favorite podcasts for people living with vision loss:

    OE Patients Podcast

    Eyes On Success Podcast

    Hadley Presents Podcast

     

    Image of Alexa app screen showing list of featured and new books.
    Image of Alexa app screen showing list of featured and new books.

    2. Read an Audiobook.

    Getting totally absorbed in a great book that takes you to another time and place is the best way to take a break from reality.  Choose an epic story that will command your attention for a while like Anna Karenina, East Of Eden or Lord Of The Rings.  You can also browse Audible’s Best Sellers.

    Get Back the Joy of Reading with NLS

    Alexa, Read My Book

    3. Place a Call.

    Video calls, like FaceTime, are a natural solution for socializing while social distancing. The pandemic has given new life to the voice-only call, which has been going out of fashion for years. It makes complete sense to use FaceTime because, in many ways, it’s as close as we can connect for the time being. Seeing the face or hearing the voice of a loved one or an old friend lends a degree of comfort to an otherwise insecure atmosphere.  So go ahead, pick up the phone and call someone you care about – chances are you’ll find them at home.

    4. Get Your Accessibility Settings In Order.

    Take this time to review and update text settings, screen magnification and brightness and color contrast. And don’t hesitate to call on live expert help! Use these if you run into trouble:

    Accessibility Support Phone Lines You Should Know   

    5. Give Speech a Chance.

    When reading with a visual impairment becomes arduous, it’s time to give your phone or tablet permission to speak. The move from seeing to hearing written words may take some getting used to, so approach it as if you are learning to read anew.

    The Freedom of Speech

    Let Voice Over Do the Reading

    Image of man talking into smartphone on speaker.
    Image of man talking into smartphone on speaker.

    6. Put Your Voice Assistant to Work.

    There are thousands of ways your voice assistant can make things easier. For instance, ask Google to play a podcast, ask Alexa to read your book, or ask Siri to FaceTime a friend.  Take a moment to try out more ways these virtual assistants can help make your life easier:

    Here’s What Siri, Google & Alexa Can Do

    Podcast: Siri, Google & Alexa

    7. Update Your Privacy Settings.

    There is no better time than now to update your privacy settings and stop giving your technology providers open access to your personal info.

    Follow these steps to Protect Your Privacy Online.

    8. Clean & Organize.

    Cleaning up and organizing is a very cathartic process. Getting rid of clutter feels like a load is lifted off you and actually helps clear your head.

    Here’s a guide to help you Get Clean & Organized.

  • How Ai Compensates Vision Loss

    How Ai Compensates Vision Loss

    To appreciate the role artificial intelligence (Ai) is playing in elevating accessibility and helping make daily life easier for people with vision loss, we’d have to go back well over a decade.  In the early 2000s, our technology was known as “assistive” and our access to mainstream tech was a pipe dream. We would say, at that time, that “technology is leveling the playing field for people with visual impairments,” but it wasn’t really. Even the most basic cell phones were largely inaccessible. There were few options and none were good.

    Two meaningful events then shifted the paradigm, launching an era of inclusion. in 2009, Apple delivered the fully accessible iPhone (out of the box),  the impact of which cannot be overstated. In 2010, the 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act was signed as law in the U.S. and began implementation of rules mandating accessibility of internet browsers and mobile devices for visually impaired and blind users.

    Today, Ai is ubiquitous. The technology that simulates human thought processing and response has the power to make many things a lot easier to deal with. It gives visual information a voice, and that is a dream come true for people with vision loss. But the real beauty is that it’s good for everyone.

    The development of Ai for consumer application feels new, when in fact it was decades in the making. Good things are always coming together in the background, with potential to change your life for the better. Be open to the possibility. 

    Let’s take a look at how Ai is being used now to compensate vision loss, and what we might expect in the not too distant future…

    Smartphones

    The smooth, intuitive and predictive nature of your smartphone can be attributed to Ai. Apple’s high standard for accessibility has kept the iPhone the consistent top choice for people with vision loss. Android has also come a long distance in it’s vision accessibility options.    

    Voice Assistants

    Siri, Google and Alexa are operated on mobile devices, smart speakers and computers, where they can carry out tasks, simple or complicated, just for the asking. They assist with a thousand things, which might otherwise be difficult, slow or even impossible for a person with low or no vision to accomplish independently.

    Listen to podcast: Siri, Google & Alexa

    Image of Google Maps app on iPhone

    Specialized Apps

    There is no shortage of Ai apps for accessibility. Several stand out because they were developed by Microsoft and Google, and they are completely free, unlike some predecessors.

    Seeing Ai, by Microsoft for iOS, is an intelligent camera app that reads text, identifies products, people, currency, color, scenes, and handwriting.

    Read: Seeing Ai is a Gift from Microsoft

    Soundscape, by Microsoft for iOS, a map with 3D sound, provides background narration into your earbuds from the left, right and center, telling where you are, what’s around you and what’s ahead.

    Read: Microsoft Soundscape: A Review of What It Will Do

    LookOut, by Google for Android, camera vision delivers information in 3 modes. Explore describes your environment, Shopping reads product barcodes and currency, and Quick read for signs, labels and mail.

    Read: Google’s On The Lookout

    Google Maps Detailed Voice Guidance, by Google for iOS & Android, turns on added voice guidance feature in the apps navigation settings. We’re hopeful the accuracy of this enhancement to Google Maps improves. One of many GPS apps for visually impaired users that will be amazing when they get it right.

    Read: Review Google Maps Detailed Voice Guidance

    Aira, an acronym for Ai Remote Assistance, teams artificial intelligence with real live human agents to help people with vision loss get around and get things done. The subscriber model combines both free and fee-based service options.

    Read: Aira Adds A Free Tier

    White Smart Home Device
    White Smart Home Device

    Smart Speakers

    Created to house the voice assistants, these speakers are being adopted at rapid rates. They are usable with relative ease and popular priced models are often available under $50. Google Home and Amazon Echo are the favorites, by far. They’re ready to accomplish thousands of tasks, all you do is ask.

    Smart Home

    Let’s face it, there is something amazing about telling the lights to turn on and having them respond. For someone with vision impairment, the setting of a thermostat or appliance might otherwise be impossible, but with many options for home automation now available, we can also control climate, entertainment and security, with our voice.      

    OrCam My Eye reading and recognition device

    Smart Glasses

    We’ll know smart glasses have arrived when everyone’s wearing them. At the moment they are assistive in nature and available for enhancing vision or reading text with the help of Ai. We expect smart glasses too will become more mainstream and much less sci-fi looking. 

    Read: Electronic Glasses Price Update

    Vector illustration of car interior with big navigation display.
    Vector illustration of car interior with big navigation display.

    Self-Driving

    Autonomous vehicles are not quite as imminent as we were led to believe, but the concept still conjures a sense of inclusion for people who lack the vision a driver’s license requires. Not driving will be normal when no one has to.

    Facial Recognition

    Technology that recognizes faces is available and also controversial in terms of privacy. We can program Seeing AI, for example, to tell us when the camera is pointed at faces of people we know. But imagine for a moment, wearing normal looking smart glasses that allow you to walk into a room and quickly identify the faces you’re not able to see. Amazing!

    About Your Privacy

    To protect your privacy, never agree to the terms of use without reading them completely. If you don’t understand what you’re agreeing to, get more information. If you don’t like what you’re agreeing to, delete the app and don’t use it.

    Turn off Location Sharing in your Privacy settings to restrict the constant tracking of your whereabouts, and grant access only when using the app. Turn off Location Sharing in your Google account as well.

    Get into the habit of deleting your voice recordings on a daily basis.  It’s as easy as saying, “Delete everything I’ve said today,” to Alexa or Google. To delete Siri recordings, go to Settings> Siri & Search> Siri & Dictation History, then Delete Siri & Dictation History.

  • It’s a Good Time to Listen

    It’s a Good Time to Listen

    Hunkered down at home for a few days? Doing your level best to avoid the virus? It’s the perfect time to get in touch and catch up on the OE Patients Podcast. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, take an alcohol wipe to your phone or tablet, and press play.  Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    Full playlist:

  • Electronic Glasses Price Update

    Electronic Glasses Price Update

    We are updating our recap on electronic glasses, because things are changing, most notably price. In the case of all the wearable devices we first discussed at a live event in October 2018, the prices have come down, some significantly. That is a good thing, and we’ll keep an eye out for further developments.

    Before you read about and evaluate whether these products might be useful for you, here are some points to consider.

    It’s important to manage expectations. There are no magic glasses. How well these products can potentially help you is totally dependent on each individual and on remaining vision.

    Think about what specifically you want to do. Can the product help you continue to work or use your computer? Watch TV? Read books, magazines, newspapers? And is the cost of the device a worthwhile investment for this activity?

    Acesight augmented reality headset for vision and mobility

    Acesight by Zoomax

    $4,295.00 — all features

    $2,995.00 — simplified version

    web: acesight.com

    email: [email protected]

    • design does not obstruct peripheral vision
    • 2 screens with 45-degree fields of view
    • high speed refreshes video images fast with no delay
    • magnifies to 15X
    • adjustable contrast or color mode
    • outlining feature highlights objects like doors frames, steps, etc.
    OrCam My Eye reading and recognition device

    OrCam My Eye 2

    $3,500.

    web: orcam.com

    email: [email protected]

    • mini camera sits on eyeglass frame
    • text-to-speech reads printed or digital text
    • program to recognize people and products
    • bar code scanner reads product details
    • currency identifier
    • color ID
    • date & time
    • a reading device, does not provide visual magnification
    IrisVision VR headset zooms to 12x

    IrisVision Live

    $2,950.

    web: irisvision.com

    email: [email protected]

    • virtual reality headset
    • zooms to 12x
    • read in color, black on white, white on black
    • 70-degreed field of view
    • use voice commands
    • streams online video
    • text to speech reads documents, menus, books
    • mode for TV, mobile device
    • visual device, not recommended for mobility
    • setting for limited peripheral field
    Jordy wearable magnification device

    Jordy by Enhanced Vision

    $2,575.

    web: enhancedvision.com

    email: [email protected]

    • fast refresh, no blurring video image
    • battery charge lasts 8 hours
    • simplified tactile controls
    • converts to CCTV with docking station
    • connects to cable box for TV watching
    • device for seeing, not mobility
    Man reading with a friend using eSight headwear

    eSight 3

    $3,950

    web: esighteyewear.com

    Now at a very competitive price. Read the review, eSight Up Close.

    Home screen of Aira app.

    Aira

    web: aira.io

    *Please Note: Just days after this update published, we learned Aira is discontinuing service with smart glasses as of April 1, 2020. Service with smartphones continues.

    Monthly subscriptions with glasses start at $124 for 120 minutes. Without glasses monthly plans begin at $29 for 30 minutes.

    • connect to trained agent
    • 120-degree view of where you are
    • connect with smart glasses or smartphone app
    • applicable at home, shopping, travel, etc.
    • fee-free guest locations available including: AT&T, Wegmans, and a network of airports, with more supermarkets, retailers and transportation terminals, on the way
    • quick calls (under 5 minutes) are now free

    To learn more about Aira, read Aira Adds A Free Tier and Aira at the Airport.

    Original Event Recap: Electronic Glasses article published on October 25, 2018 and updated on January 28, 2019.

  • Episode 5: A Conversation with Ben Benson, Restaurateur

    Episode 5: A Conversation with Ben Benson, Restaurateur

    In this episode, restaurateur Ben Benson shares his experience building a successful business, all the while dealing with progressive vision loss. He takes us from the start of TGI Fridays, to Smith & Wollensky and Ben Benson’s Steakhouse. He speaks of the many adjustments he made throughout, and how his favorite technologies — iPhone, Siri and Alexa — help him compensate today.

     

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  • Communicate Better with Your Doctor

    Communicate Better with Your Doctor

    A visit to your eye doctor can come and go in a blur. Discussing a loss of sight is a dreadful thought — however, avoiding it will not yield positive results either. Time with the ophthalmologist may be brief, so it is important to be prepared and engaged. Considering these steps, before every appointment, will help you be an informed patient.

    • If you do not understand something the doctor says, or the terminology used, feel free to say, “I don’t understand, please explain.” Don’t be afraid to speak up.
    • Summarize back what you heard, to clarify your understanding. “So you are telling me that age-related macular degeneration will make me blind?” The doctor responds, “No, I am saying that there will be some loss of your central vision, possibly to the level of legal blindness, but macular degeneration does not cause total blindness.”
    • Request written materials, or even pictures or videos that you can take time to understand and absorb at home.
    • Ask about best-case and worst-case scenarios, and what is the most-likely scenario for you?

     

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    • Write your questions and bring someone with you as an advocate, to read the questions on your behalf, and to take notes.
    • If treatment is available, understand the risks involved. “Can injections in the eye cause glaucoma?” 
    • Ask if there is someone you can talk to, who is living with the condition, or has received the treatment.
    • If treatment is not available, ask for alternative therapies or lifestyle changes that may help your longterm prognosis and quality of life. Don’t accept “nothing can be done” for an answer.
    • If you are told nothing can be done to improve your vision, ask your ophthalmologist for information and resources to help you live successfully with vision loss, including referral to a low vision specialist and vision rehabilitation services.

    It is crucial to be an Informed Patient when considering treatment or potential participation in a clinical trial. Clearly review, discuss and weigh the possible benefits against the risks. Consent forms are often many pages of medical and legal jargon — challenging for anyone to read, but especially hard with a visual impairment. Do not sign or agree to anything you have not read and understood completely.