Privacy is a topic of increasing concern to everyone, and it should be. In the age of mobile technology we have developed the bad habit of accepting without understanding what we’ve agreed to. The default privacy settings in our mobile technology, are automatically set to allow tracking of our everyday activity while creating a digital profile of personal data, which is always used, and often sold to third parties without our knowledge or permission. We are told, the main reason for all this surveillance is to send us ads targeted at, what is presumed to be our preferences. And it may even sound like that’s a good thing, but it’s actually pretty creepy and very sneaky.
Be aware and don’t give up your personal data unknowingly. The language is not always clear and the default settings are not always in your favor. Take these steps to limit your exposure.
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Apple iOS Privacy Settings
On iPhone, turn off ad tracking and stop all apps from sharing and selling personal data for the purpose of marketing products to you. Go to Privacy > Tracking > Allow Ads to Request to Track > Off. Next scroll down in Tracking to Apple Advertising and turn off Personalized Ads. In Privacy Settings also go to Analytics and Improvements to Share iPhone & Watch Analytics and turn it Off.
Android and Google Settings
Update Privacy Settings at myaccount.google.com or on Android, go to Settings > Privacy > Activity Controls and select your primary Google account. Turn off Web & App Activity, turn off Location History, and turn off YouTube History. Go to Ad Settings and turn off Ad Personalizations.
Delete Voice Recordings Daily
Get into the habit of deleting your voice recordings from voice assistants and smart speakers 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.
All the assistants have technical support available by phone; they can help you better understand the policies and get the settings updated. Here are the support phone numbers.
Alexa Technical Support: 877-375-9365
Apple Accessibility Support: 877-204-3930
Google Home Support: 855-971-9121
A previous version of this article was published Mar 30, 2020, and updated Aug 16, 2022.
At OE Patients, we are always fielding questions related to vision loss. While we do our very best to answer each individual one, we realize the questions received, and answers provided, are likely to be beneficial to many of our readers. Here is a curated selection.
ADJUSTING
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Q: How can we help my, independent 87-year-old, mom with low vision proof her home for safety without sacrificing aesthetics?
A: This is a very good question and one we’re delighted to have excellent answers for.
Q: I was informed, at my last eye exam, that I am now legally blind from macular degeneration. The doctor told me to stop driving (which I did long ago) and gave no other advice. What do you suggest I do now?
A: Speak with your physician again and ask for referral to a low vision specialist and vision rehabilitation services. Be aware there is much you can do, on your own, to live better with vision loss. Read: OE Agrees with AAO Advice, and listen to the OE Patients Podcast, Episode 4: Must Know Info for Adjusting to Low Vision.
HEALTH
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Q: I have recently been diagnosed with early dry macular degeneration. Both my ophthalmologist and the retina specialist I consulted pulled some AREDS 2 vitamins out of a drawer and said “take these.” I have been researching and finding out that these vitamins are recommended for intermediate MD to prevent it from advancing. But what is a patient who has early supposed to do? No one seems to be able to give me a definitive answer. Please let me know where I can read about the effects of the vitamins for patients with early macular degeneration. Thank you.
A: Although these supplements are often suggested to early stage AMD patients, the studies show no proof of effect in the early phase of AMD. Based on that result the National Eye Institute expressly recommends AREDS vitamins for patients with moderate to advanced disease.
Here is a link to the published AREDS study information from NEI:
Q: Following a cataract operation on my second eye, for two weeks I’ve been unable to read without my glasses, but vision is improving. How can I protect my eyes and keep them healthy?
Q: I am a 51-year-oldfemale diagnosed with early stage dry macular degeneration. I am concerned about visual deterioration over time as it is incurable and progressive. I am afraid and in search of something I can do to help minimize the loss of sight.
A: A diagnosis involving progressive vision loss is frightening, but we know people with dry macular degeneration generally can do well and adjust to the very slow progression over time. The result is impaired central vision, not blindness, and you can do your best to slow that progression by protecting your eyes from the sun and eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods, leafy greens, citrus and omega 3. Making small changes along the way will keep you doing all you need to do and love to do. Technology today accommodates every level of visual impairment. More detail about living with macular degeneration in these articles on OE.
Q: A low vision specialist showed my dad the OrCam ($4,500.), a wearable device for reading text, identifying faces, colors and products. Dad is hesitant to buy another piece of high priced low vision technology that probably won’t meet his expectations. What is your advice? Are there any lower cost alternatives?
A: Low vision devices are highly specific to the individual and must be tried in the context of daily life. Ask if there is a trial period, loaner program and reasonable return policy. To be of value, these devices must enhance life every day, not just occasionally. If it does not meet expectations, return it for a refund.
The functionality of OrCam is also available in free smartphone apps. Seeing Ai for iPhone was developed by Microsoft and Google’s Lookout for Android. Both are popular accessibility apps for smartphone users with vision loss.
Q: I recently switched to an iPhone for the low vision accessibility and I’m very happy I did. I’m getting accustomed to it, but find I tend to quickly forget the steps involved in using features new to me. How can I do this with more success?
A: It is very easy to forget steps you’ve taken just once or twice. Committing a process to memory, or memorizing the steps, takes repetition, 10 or 20 times. That is why the things we do every day become embedded in our muscle memory. When you don’t know, or have forgotten, no worries, just phone and get help from Apple’s Accessibility Support at 877-204-3930, they’re available 24/7. Here are more tips for Learning at Any Age with Vision Loss.
Q: I need a new iPhone but am not feeling good about an upgrade to a model with no home button.
A: Many people had this concern, but it turned out to be a relatively easy transition. Just a few new screen swipes that will become natural in the first few hours. Adjusting to iPhone X & 11
Q: Can you offer any tips to increase accuracy in Speech to Text or Dictation, as I often find that the text that is transcribed is very different from what I said.
A: Enunciate clearly. Speak punctuation, symbols, new lines, etc. Always best with minimal ambient noise. Dictate one sentence at a time for easier correction of error. Practice definitely improves ability. More on OE: Are You A Dictator?
Q: Hello, I want to find a mobile phone with the most up-to-date technology for vision loss. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, are there any seminars to help those with vision loss to use smartphones? Thanks!
A: The iPhone has the best accessibility features for vision and is by far the most popular mobile phone used by people with vision loss. Linked below are some of our articles on the subject. There are regular workshops at Apple Stores and other options depending on where you are. Check local libraries, senior centers and vision rehab agencies. Also HadleyHelps.org has a wonderful series of video tutorials for iPhone, some are linked to the articles we’ve published.
The voice assistants are wildly popular, and particularly helpful for people with vision loss. In this episode, learn from OE’s tech expert Dorrie Rush, who they are, what they can do and why we love them.
As I sit down to write an article, a book or a letter, I am really amazed by the many devices that are now available for people with low vision. I am happy to have them and to have learned to utilize and become comfortable with them.
A computer with a 26 inch monitor, ZoomText magnification and speech program and large print yellow keyboard, greet me each morning.I am legally blind, so it is set to show the date and time in very large print.
An electronic magnifier (CCTV) sits beside my computer, for increasing the size of printed text for research and writing.A recently purchased printer that scans and copies, enables the scanning of articles and images directly into the computer. I use a laser printer as well, set up just to print labels.
I have the luxury of an Amazon Echo and Alexa, which I ask to confirm spelling on any words I am unsure of, and Siri on myiPhone also answers many questions I have. Google too, is very smart and efficient at answering questions about almost anything in the world!
My iPhone enables texting by voice, using Siri or Dictation, and Siri reads text messages and emails to me. There is a Speech option in iOS Accessibility Settings that allows me to highlight text and have it read back aloud. There is also a full function screen reader called VoiceOver, that reads everything when it is engaged.
I’m in the process of learning Dragon Speech to Text, which will then enable me to speak directly to the computer and have the words converted to text, appearing on the screen. This could bring a whole new approach to my writing.
If technology issues arise there is technical support available 24/7. Apple’s Accessibility Support Line (877-204-3930) provides expert help for all Apple products. Microsoft products are supported by the Disability Answer Desk (800-936-5900) by phone, and also with the Be My Eyes app, which provides visual assistance.
You might also try, Talking Camera, Seeing AI and Magnifying Glass on your smartphone, or look through your app store for any of these accessibility apps that can make life a bit easier. One of my most precious possessions is a mini electronic magnifier that I can carry with me, but now with a magnifying app in the phone, I no longer have to carry two devices.
It feels lucky to me, having so much technology that compensates for my vision loss and allows me to continue a very productive life. And if I can benefit from all these advances…so can you!
This year, we were thrilled to hold our “Accessibility Resources for People With Visual Impairments” series at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in NYC, supported by the Association for Macular Diseases.
Events were lively, fun and full of laughter and discussion, covering an abundance of exciting topics, from smart speakers to electronic glasses to the latest and best in accessibility apps. Our audiences spoke up and exchanged thought-provoking opinions on favorites, preferences, and future developments in accessibility.
If you missed any of our events, not to worry! We return in Spring 2019. Meanwhile, explore the best of this year’s event recaps and accessibility resources below.
Spring/Summer 2018
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Smart Speakers
Alexa, Google, and Siri are the virtual assistants that make life easier for everyone, especially people with vision loss.
Make the iPhone easier on your eyes using VoiceOver & Speak Screen for text to speech, Dictation to replace typing for speech text, and Siri for voice commands.
Explore the options available for audible TV guides and menus, audio describing programming, and the use of voice commands from cable providers and streaming services.
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Audio Description
Now available on-demand for Broadway shows, museum tours, at the movies, on TV and much more. Explore how this visual voice fills in the missing detail, vividly.
Take a closer look at wearable assistive devices, including IrisVision, OrCam, Jordy, eSight, Acesight and Aira, designed to help you see, read, work and navigate with vision loss.
OE Patients Features Assistive Technology At Empowering Event For People With Vision Loss
In October 2018, we held an accessibility event featuring smart wearables for people with vision loss. Read about featured electronic glasses, the importance of persistence as a mindset, and the idea of finding a solution that fits your personal needs.
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