Tag: Rush

Adjusting To iPhone X
Resistance to change is a naturally occurring phenomenon among humans. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you’ve been putting off that upgrade to an iPhone X.

The newest design, which does not have a home button, presents a minor learning curve, but given the fact that you already learned how to get around your iPhone with just one button, learning a few new gestures is really nothing to get worked up over. Don’t forget, there was a time not long ago, when conventional wisdom said, people with vision loss must have phones with big tactile buttons. Apple Accessibility busted that myth more than a decade ago.

Big changes in hardware and software tend to trigger our techno-insecurity, but the impending doom is often quickly replaced by a rather pleasant surprise. Remember when you heard Apple was removing the headphone jack from the iPhone? We were up in arms…it was unthinkable! How could there be no place to plug in our buds? That was actually much ado about nothing, because Apple now includes a set of wired buds that plug into the same Lightning port that charges the phone.

iPhone has taught me there is no good reason to cling to the past. Software updates automatically without hesitation, as do the apps. I upgraded to iPhone X early on. During personal setup of the new phone at the Apple Store, they also reviewed and helped me practice the new gestures. This is why you need not worry, it literally takes about 20 minutes to start life without a home button.

Apple iPhone X on white background.

Here’s how it works without the home button. Many of the new gestures are the same with VoiceOver, the few that differ are noted by * symbol.

Wake – press the power button or raise to wake and let Face ID unlock

Siri – long press on the power button (right side) or set for “Hey Siri”

Accessibility Shortcut – triple click on power button

Shut Down – press power button on right with (either up or down) volume button, then slide power off
- * With VoiceOver – same, but last step needs a double tap to power off
Return to Home Screen – slide 1 finger up from bottom edge to the top of screen
- * With VoiceOver – slide 1 finger up from bottom edge to first vibration and lift
App Switcher – slide 1 finger up to center of screen
- * With VoiceOver – slide 1 finger up past center of screen to second vibration; slide up with 3 fingers to close app
Control Center – slide 1 finger down from top right edge
- *With VoiceOver – slide 1 finger down from top right edge to first vibration and lift
Notifications – slide 1 finger down from top left edge
- * With VoiceOver – slide 1 finger down from top right edge to second vibration and lift
Apple Pay – double click on the power button

Screen Shot – click power button and volume up button together

We love the iFocus tutorials from Hadley, a great way to learn iPhone X VoiceOver Gestures.
March 27, 2019
Better Access To Art & Entertainment

Living with vision loss does not mean giving up the enjoyment of movies, museums, theater, or TV. There has never been a better time for access and inclusion in art and entertainment, for everyone. You just need to know it’s there for the asking.

It’s all been covered on the pages of OE Patients and we think it’s well worth repeating. Take advantage of these opportunities to elevate your accessibility awareness, and then pass the information along to a friend.

Close up portrait of woman smiling while wearing headphones.

Movies

All movie theaters, in the U.S., now make audio descriptive devices readily available to everyone. The descriptive track, embedded into all widely released movies, automatically syncs with the film and describes the details you may have otherwise missed. The descriptive narration is slipped into the quiet places of the film, so it does not interfere with the soundtrack.

More on OE:

Descriptive Audio Brings Back The Detail

Times Square’s animated colorful LED lights and Broadway theaters in New York City.

Theater

You can count on Broadway for audio description as well. Descriptive devices are available, for the asking, at every live performance beginning 4 weeks from opening night. Borrow a device in the theater’s lobby kiosk, or use the GalaPro app on your own mobile phone. And when purchasing theater tickets, don’t forget to ask about access seating closer to the stage. Staff is always on hand to help you get set to fully enjoy the show. These accommodations may also be available at a theater, off-Broadway, and near you, so go ahead and ask!

Here’s more on theater accessibility:

Inclusivity Takes The Stage On Broadway

VIP Seating Is There For You

Visitors In Botticelli Hall Of Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

Museums

Art is more accessible than ever. More often than not, museums offer programs that include touch tours, verbal imaging tours, and audio description, available by appointment, or just for the asking. Explore the opportunities and you’ll discover there are many ways to ‘see’ art.

Learn more here:

Museums Making Art More Accessible

Audio Description Event Recap

Woman using tablet to help navigate settings on TV.

Television

Viewing and navigating a TV is definitely a challenge with vision loss. Thanks to the 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act, your cable provider must offer a voice-enabled TV guide. This too is available for the asking and at no extra cost. Today many cable providers are adding features, like channel selection, that can be controlled by voice.

Here’s more from OE on TV:

Talking Guide For Your TV

Accessible TV Seminar Highlights

To explore the options available in any of these categories, Google the name of a theater, museum, or cable provider + accessibility.

March 19, 2019
Accessibility Matters In The Ophthalmologist’s Office

A visit to any doctor’s office can include some degree of difficulty for people with uncorrectable vision loss. The same challenges can even exist in the office of the ophthalmologist. Good patient care is not just measured by the exam and treatment, it is also measured by the patient experience.

Follow these guidelines to establish policies and procedures that help create an accessible office environment that is better for everyone.

Make Sure Signage is Easy to Read

Signs throughout the office should be in large print, using legible, highly contrasted easy to read font styles. Never use print on a patterned background, or gold letters on a beige wall. Positioning signs close to eye level makes them easier for everyone to see.

Utilize Color Contrast

Use contrast in the office design. Paint doors or frames a color that stands out from walls. Use dark seating against a light carpet color. Steps should always have contrasted edges and handrails. Avoid glass doors and walls entirely, they are hazardous to people with low vision and also those with dilated eyes.

Use Good Verbal Communication

Always address patients directly by name, as they may not be able to see that you are speaking to them, or make eye contact. When you greet a patient, identify yourself by name, don’t assume they will recognize you or know your voice. Generally, it is not necessary to speak loudly to people with vision loss, unless you know their hearing is also impaired.

Ask the patient if they need your assistance. Don’t make assumptions about their abilities or their needs.

Don’t point or say, “over there,” when giving directions. Orient to the person’s direction by saying, “Walk to the end of this hall and turn left, the exit is the first door on your right.”

Provide Accessible Information

Obviously, it is incorrect to assume all patients are able to complete paper forms. If your office is still using clipboards to collect information, there should be alternatives offered. Better options for everyone include online forms or having a staff member directly input all necessary information, provided by phone, pre-appointment.

Make sure written communications are accessible. Any printed or digital information given to patients should use text at least 18 pt., or larger and bolder when possible. Always use a clean, easy reading, sans-serif font style like: Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana. Be sure the content on copied documents is clearly legible.

For many patients, particularly those who cannot easily read print, digital documents are the best alternative, as they can be adjusted to the reading preference of each individual.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference in the way patients feel when they visit your office.

March 6, 2019
Living Better With AMD
There was a time when a patient diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration was told, “You are going blind, and there is nothing we can do.” Today we are much better informed, and we know that AMD causes impairment of the central vision (not total blindness). We also know, there is plenty we can do to make the adjustments that enable us to continue productive lives.

Currently, there are treatments for about 10% of all AMD cases, as outlined in our recent article Hope For AMD. For all patients, there are many ways to compensate for the changes in vision, while protecting and maximizing remaining sight. Today’s AMD patient is active and engaged in solutions that include technology, accessibility, and wellness.

A willingness to make small changes is the key to successfully overcoming the adversity caused by any degree of vision loss. Like all things achieved in life, this too requires effort.

Here are 5 ways you can live better with AMD.
- Daily Nutrition: Studies show, good nutrition has the power to prevent or slow the development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Do not delay, start today, form your own anti-AMD game plan. Read OE’s Anti-AMD Diet.
- Perspective: Focus on the vision you have, do not dwell on the loss. Take a moment each day to look around and take in your surroundings, appreciate all that you can see. This will literally Improve Your Outlook.
- Magnification: Make magnifiers your number one accessory. Create your own collection of magnifiers for your daily tasks and keep them easy to access: one in your coat pocket, one in the kitchen, one on your desk, etc. Explore the low and high tech options available in our article, Magnifiers Are A Must.
- Technology: The power of accessible technology cannot be underestimated or overlooked. There is practically no limit to the compensatory value of mobile devices and computers that possess the ability to give you the visual or audible features that provide full access for everyone, regardless of acuity. Browse OE Patients: Accessibility & Technology section. Or go straight to a favorite on iPhone Accessibility.
- Preserve Your Sight: No smoking and always wearing sunglasses outdoors, are good habits that will help protect your eyes, from these damaging causes, for the long term. Read more on Sight Saving Habits.
The ability to remain flexible and to keep making adjustments will empower you to continue doing the things you want to do.

Tell us about your solutions for living with AMD.
February 27, 2019
Accessibility Matters When Choosing A Home

There are many elements to contemplate when shopping for a new home, especially when you have a visual impairment. Although it is always possible to fall in love with a person, or a place, or a job that will move you from a comfort zone into the unknown. Don’t let that hold you back. Move forward and live life, just approach your selection with intelligence, while considering the factors you require for independence.

Moving is a big deal for anyone, so it’s essential to keep practicality at the forefront of your selection process.

Don’t let a gorgeous living space trick you into thinking you can live in a place that is not generally accessible to you. We are talking about the basics for living well, for continuing to do the things you need, and love, to do. Good sidewalks, public transportation, and local shopping, can take on a new level of priority, when you don’t drive.

City locales are naturally favored over rural areas because they offer greater convenience in closer proximity. However, cities don’t guarantee comfort. New York City, for example, is a dream destination for many, but it can also feel overwhelmingly hectic for others. Within every city there are areas that offer higher degrees of favorability.

Do your due diligence in scouting the right location. You decide what is essential to your well-being. Here are some important things to look at.

Public Transportation: Look at the accessibility of railroads, buses, subways, etc.

Walking: Are there walkable sidewalks, and crosswalks, to the places you will be going?

Shopping: Is there a supermarket within walking distance? Is there a shopping center with a variety of stores? Dry cleaner? Hair salon?

Climate: Is the weather generally good for walking year-round? Is the area prone to extremes in temperature, storms, or flooding?

Fitness: Are you close to a gym, exercise studio, pool, or walking trails?

Healthcare: Can you get to a doctor or dentist in the local area?

Restaurants: It’s always nice to have good food nearby.

Culture & Entertainment: Can you access movies, theater, and museums?

Smarter cities are in the works, but urban planning and infrastructure overhauls are decades in the making. We look forward to transportation hubs with interior navigations systems. There are numerous apps in development as well, that hope to help us get wherever we want to go.

January 30, 2019
How to Create Reminders with Siri
If your memory isn’t quite what it used to be, or you just have too many things on your mind, it’s time to get a little help from your technology. “Reminders” are the new age To Do list, and they’re available wherever you access your digital assistant. This is a great way to keep track of everything you want to recall, like errands, appointments, shopping lists, and projects you’re working on.

Telling your mobile phone or smart speaker to schedule a reminder, sounds like an accessibility feature tailor-made for people with vision loss, but the fact is, regardless of age or acuity, reminders are good for everyone!

Of course, you can set reminders the old-fashioned way, by tapping and typing, but we totally prefer talking. Here, for example, is what you can do on an Apple iOS device.

On iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

To call upon Siri, be sure Settings are turned on for: “Hey Siri” and “Voice Feedback” always.

To create a list:
- Say: Create a new list called Shopping.
- Say: Add milk to my Shopping list.
- Say: Add eggs to my Shopping list.
- Say: Delete milk from my Shopping list.
- Say: What is on my Shopping list?
To schedule a reminder:
- Say: Remind me to call Jack tomorrow.
- Say: Remind me to email Jill about the meeting.
- Say: Remind me to stop at the dry cleaner on my way home.
- Say: Remind me on Monday that I have a dentist appointment on Tuesday at 8 am.
- Say: Delete reminder to call Jack.
- Say: Do I have any reminders for today?
It is relatively easy to use these voice commands, and enormously satisfying to get such cooperation from your assistant. Do your best to keep lists and reminders organized and under control. To get started, sit down with your iOS device and begin trying the voice commands listed above.

Should you want or need more detail, and don’t mind using the keyboard, here are more options for creating Reminders from Apple.

Reminders can also be set for Google Home and Amazon Alexa speakers. For guidance on that and for Accessibility Support on iOS, the best way to get yourself properly set up is by calling for expert assistance at the phone numbers below.

Google Home: 855-971-9121

Amazon Alexa: 877-375-9365

Apple Accessibility: 877-204-3930
January 24, 2019
Resolve To Do Better This Year
A new year is a good opportunity to think about how you can make life a little easier and live better with vision loss.

It really comes down to how you manage the things that matter. We never advise making lots of changes at once, but even selecting just one or two things you can improve over the course of a year, can have lasting impact on the quality of your life.

While we are indeed talking about ways to live better with vision loss, the changes suggested are not specific to vision impairment. The fact is…everybody’s doing these things, it’s all about inclusivity!

Man paying bills online with smartphone.

Better Banking and Bill Paying

This is a change with many big, long term benefits. There is nothing extraordinary about banking and paying bills online, it is the new norm. So take the stress out of monthly check writing, checkbook balancing and envelope mailing. Going paperless is not only good for you, it’s good for the environment.

If you think this is a daunting task, take it one step at a time. The online set up is relatively uncomplicated, as long as you have your account numbers. An even easier way to get set up is to go into your bank and they will arrange it all for you. Bring in the bills you will be paying online, and your bank will set those up as well. Take advantage of the services the bank provides, it can lessen the angst.

Most companies also accept electronic bill paying by phone, which is a handy and efficient alternative for those who are not interested in banking online. The setup requires a checking or credit card account, and can be set up directly or with the help of customer service.

More on this: 6 Ways To Make Bill Paying Easier On The Eyes

Tree ripened oranges, ready for picking.

Eat Better

Here is something we can all practice, today and every day, to positively impact the long-term health of our eyes. It is particularly encouraging to note, the addition of several foods to your regular diet has shown to slow the progression of disease, or ward it off entirely.

Make sure you’re getting plenty of:
- Leafy Greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, etc.
- Whole Citrus Fruit has healing properties, add an orange a day (sorry juice doesn’t count)
- Oily Fish including salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines are good for your eyes, your brain and your heart
- Olive Oil can be used in abundance, so go ahead and dip your bread, dress your salad, and scramble your egg in it
iPad screen showing very large text.

Read Better

Reading is something that must be addressed actively with aging and with progressing degenerative eye disease. Both require a willingness to change. The goal is, always, continued access to print, and that may at some point become audible not visual.
- Enlarge the text for newspapers and books on a tablet or eReader
- Switch to audiobooks
- Get help with accessibility settings from Apple, Microsoft, by phone
- Try the larger screens for phones, tablets, and computers
- Use Seeing AI for Short Text or Document reading on the go
More on reading: Get Back The Joy Of Reading With NLS

Man at work using inclusive technology.

Work Better

It’s a good idea to find yourself a friend in IT and get some help exploring all the possibilities your computer has to offer. An adjustment to text size, screen magnification, brightness, color or contrast, can make a night and day difference to your screen reading, and keep you working productively.

More on this subject: Microsoft’s Inclusive Workplace

A gray Google Home Mini.

Use Your Digital Assistant Better

Whether it’s Google, Alexa, or Siri, on mobile or in a speaker, your digital assistant is ready and willing to help with many tasks. Choose one and get to know it this year. Although they are not created equal, they all have similar, basic abilities in common, so go ahead and ask:
- Check the time, weather, calendar, dictionary
- Play music by song, artist, album, genre
- Ask a question about sports, history, entertainment or trivia
- Make a phone call
- Set a timer, alarm, or reminder
Keep in mind, small frequent adjustments are key to changing a habit. If you want it, and commit to it, you will succeed. The gain is always greater than the pain.

Stick with us, we see a year ahead brimming with possibility!
January 10, 2019
Letter from the Editor

Dorrie Rush

Dorrie Rush, Chief Content Editor of OEPatients.org

2019 Is A Year of Possibilities for People with Vision Loss

It is true, I do love a fresh new year brimming with promise. My optimistic outlook continues to center on the factor most impacting life with vision loss today, and that is accessible and inclusive technology. In terms of progress, last year was no slouch either, and it set the pace for more good things to come!

The momentum in everyday accessible technology has been building for more than a decade now. It started with Apple’s delivery of the iPhone in 2009, accessible out-of-the-box for people with low or no vision. All products that followed from Apple included accessibility by design. The paradigm was shifting. These developments significantly changed the direction of my life, I no longer felt technology was leaving me behind.

Last year we were the beneficiaries of a few big surprises coming from somewhat unexpected places.

Microsoft created two new important accessibility apps. Seeing AI is a smart camera with 9 apps in 1, and Soundscape is a “3D map with sound.” This delightful surprise extends even further, both apps are free and they were built exclusively for Apple’s iPhone. A magnanimous gesture by Microsoft, perhaps more will be revealed about this in the coming year.

I enjoyed every one of our accessibility events last year and delighted in the lively, sophisticated and always curious audiences. I’d have to say the most fun was our session on smart speakers. They are entertaining and incredibly useful in daily life. Smart speakers are being adopted at a faster rate than smartphones were, and they are especially popular with people visually impaired or blind. This is a category we will continue to pay close attention to.

At another event we applauded the proliferation of audio description, now available on demand for Broadway shows and at the movies. I love the voice that speaks quietly in my ear and fills in the details, I might have otherwise missed.

So, it’s pretty obvious why we should be enthusiastic about the coming year for inclusivity. Apple doesn’t like to say much about their developing technology, but there are reports and rumors that lead us to believe we may be seeing some smart glasses and even clothing designed for accessibility. Actually, I would not be surprised to find many variations of smart glasses showing up, and would expect they’ll begin shrinking to a more normal, wearable size, from the rather heavy visor like devices we saw last year.

We can look forward to new developments in navigating airports and shopping centers.

There is Aira to watch, a service that teams technology with the eyes of a live agent for reading, identification, travel, etc. IBM says it is close to making the NavCog, indoor voice activated navigation app, available to the public. Toyota has been working on Project BLAID, an indoor navigation device, for some time, maybe this is the year we’ll try it. Google’s app “Lookout” for object recognition, is anticipated any day now.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is powering much of the progress. Our digital assistants and smart speakers will mature and become more intuitive and dependable.

As I write this letter, Google, Alexa, and Siri are all sitting on my desk, ready to assist whenever I ask. They’re excellent researchers, spellers, fact checkers, appointment schedulers, alarm setters, time tellers, and they have instant access to massive amounts of music. Like all assistants, these 3 were not created equal, they all possess their own individual strengths and weaknesses. We’ll definitely talk more about that as the year moves forward.

One thing is for sure, we have only just begun to tap the potential of what technology can do to empower people living and working with vision loss. Stay with us, as we report on an exciting year, packed with possibility!

January 7, 2019
2018: A Year in Review

2018 has been a significant year of development and inspiration at OE Patients. Thanks to your readership, support and feedback, we have advanced our mission to provide empowering and encouraging advice for people living with visual impairments.

Our online initiative, which encompasses all types of vision loss, is funded by the Association for Macular Diseases and presented in partnership with Ophthalmic Edge. We are here to answer the questions patients often have, that cannot be addressed in the physician’s office.

It is our strongest intention to carry the momentum into the new year, and with that on the horizon, let’s first take a look at our top activities and highlights of 2018.

1. We shared expert tips and advice on living well with vision loss.

OE Patients’ content is delivered with an inspiring voice by a team of contributors, experienced both personally and professionally. Refreshed weekly, our empowering spirit is conveyed consistently in topics on health, technology, accessibility and adjusting.

Read our top 10 articles of 2018.

2. We explored the latest in accessibility and technology at our events.

Our accessibility events, hosted at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital in NYC, give us the opportunity to dive into the most popular topics from the OE Patients website.

This year, we had an especially wonderful and diverse program, ranging from speakers representing NYC’s most well-known art museums at our Audio Description event, to an afternoon of demonstrations at the Electronic Glasses event.

Explore our event recaps and related resources of 2018.

3. We discovered inspiring stories featuring people living and thriving with vision loss.

We were delighted to find and share, on social media, numerous stories featuring people living full and successful lives with visual impairments. They are people of all ages, backgrounds and industries — artists, photographers, and more — proving that, ultimately, it is the persistent pursuit of one’s passion that keeps the light lit.

Read your favorite stories from 2018.

4. We witnessed and shared the latest news on the progress of inclusivity and technology.

Each year brings new developments in accessibility. Though progress always takes longer than we’d like, the change is nevertheless steady. In 2018, from the rise of Aira in the public eye to the expansion of mandated accessibility on Broadway, the needle moved us ever-closer to inclusivity as intentional foundation, rather than afterthought.

Explore our articles on accessibility and technology.

5. We gleaned valuable insights, thanks to your voices.

At events, through emails, or on social media, you spoke to us, expressing your heartfelt opinions, ideas, and suggestions. Your feedback guided the shape of our accessibility events, inspired new ideas for our editorial, and encouraged our sharing on social. Keep reaching out to us! We love hearing from you.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter, or contact us by email.

Thank You!

If you’d like to get involved, please visit our Support page, or email us about submitting an article featuring your perspective as someone living with vision loss, or expertise as a medical, accessibility or vision loss support expert. Your voice is much appreciated.

OE Patients would not be the same without your gracious readership and generous support, and for that, we would like to say a big thank you! We look forward to seeing you in 2019!

December 16, 2018
Event Recap: App Happy
Thanks to all who attended our accessibility session on Apps, coming out despite the Arctic blast that hit with a relentless mix of icy rain and snow. The discussion was lively and always interesting and informative, exactly as we hoped it would be. People sharing their experience and learning from each other.

We acknowledged, upfront, that the topic of apps is massive and could be discussed for days. Apps that help us compensate for vision loss are available in many categories. We have lots of choices, and selecting the apps we integrate into daily life is a very individual process.

It was also delightful to note, that accessibility for people with vision loss is a priority, emphasized by tech leaders like Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. Inclusive technology is shifting our expectations and bridging the gaps. Although it’s not perfect…it’s really good.

Finding the apps that work for you will make life a little easier.

The recap that follows is a look at some specific apps and new developments we talked about at our “App Happy” session. It’s not only the apps with the bells and whistles that can change your life. Access to the basic built-in iPhone apps like Contacts, Camera, Messages, News, Clock, and Maps, can make a huge difference in your everyday.

Here are the apps that kicked off our “App Happy” discussion:

Seeing AI App (iOS Only)

This app from Microsoft has been around for just over a year and has already expanded its channels and improved its performance noticeably. Built for iOS exclusively, but rumored to be adding Android soon. Read more about Seeing AI in our article here.

9 Channels:
- Short Text – Reads instantly
- Document – Aligns and reads full page
- Product – Barcode reader
- Person – Facial recognition; fun but not sure how functional
- Currency Reader – US and Canadian
- Scene Reader – take a photo and it describes the scene and reads text
- Color Reader – identifies color
- Handwriting Reader – much improved for handwritten print or cursive
- Light Indicator – changes tone to the direction of light
Soundscape App (iOS Only)

A “map with 3D sound” provides information about your environment. Also from Microsoft, exclusively for iOS (so far). Read more about Microsoft Soundscape in our article here.

4 Channels:
- My Location – figure out where you are, direction facing, points of interest
- Nearby Marker – locations you have marked
- Around Me – what’s in the 4 surrounding quadrants
- Ahead of Me – street names, buildings, businesses coming up
Aira App

A new assisted navigation service provided by trained agents viewing your location by live video.
- Log in as a guest to try in fee-free locations like Walgreens, AT&T, Wegmans and a growing list of airports and businesses
- Also available for a monthly subscription starting at $89. for 100 minutes
Be My Eyes App

This app provides live video access to a network of 1 million volunteers helping 80 thousand people with vision loss in 180 countries.
- Average wait for a volunteer: 30 seconds
- Get help with appliances, electronics, instructions, identification, etc.
- Not recommended to share private information
- Newly partnered with Microsoft Disability Desk
GalaPro App

The app making New York’s Broadway shows accessible to audience members with vision and hearing loss, from the privacy of their own mobile phone. Read more about GalaPro in our article here.
- Audio descriptions syncs with live performance
- An accessibility kiosk in every theater helps get you started
- Also, offers closed captioning and language translation
More App Happy audience favorites:

Amazon App
- Now with access to live Disability Hotline 888-283-1678 for shopping assistance.
Alexa App
- For Book Reading, Shopping, Calendar, Music, Recipes, Games, Translation and more.
Amazon Prime Video App
- Watch Prime Video on numerous devices with audio description.
Apple News App
- The standard iOS app that provides access to a large selection of curated news from major outlets including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Vanity Fair, Bloomberg, CNN, Food Network and more.
NFB Newsline App (iOS Only)
- The National Federation of the Blind now offers an app for iOS that extends their newspaper reading service to over 300 publications, for eligible users.
Shazam App
- An entertaining app that identifies music, movies, TV, and ads, after hearing just a short snippet. Apple recently bought the technology and now offers it on iOS, Mac OS, TV OS, and Watch OS.
Drop us a note by email, or post a comment on our Facebook.
November 16, 2018
Event Recap: Electronic Glasses
Electronic Glasses Price Update was published February 27, 2020 as an update to the information in this event recap.

On October 18, 2018, we took a closer look at a selection of wearable technology for low vision.

This was a category met with great interest and we were pleased to have representatives to present and provide demos for IrisVision, OrCam, Jordy and Acesight. eSight and Aira were discussed, as well, and all products are recapped below.

The conversations that evolve, at these events, are always interesting and informative. 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?

If you’d like to share your thoughts and feedback, or ask a question, please send us an email to: [email protected], or post a comment on our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

Product Information

IrisVision

IrisVision

$2,500.
web: irisvision.com
email: [email protected]
- goggles using a phone camera for magnifying
- like electronic binoculars
- 90-degreed field of view
- visual device, not recommended for mobility
- setting for limited peripheral field
- simplified control settings
- use for reading, TV, distance and reading by line
- use for watching TV, movies, sporting events
- freeze frame
- 30-day return policy
- lease to own option
OrCam

Orcam My Reader

My Reader
$3,500. wired
$2,500. wireless
web: orcam.com
email: [email protected]
- small camera that attaches to glasses
- a device for reading, not for seeing
- gesture to read selected text by pointing finger
- reads signs, newspapers, books, magazines, mail, etc.
OrCam My Eye

My Eye
$4,500. wireless
$3,500. wired
web: orcam.com
email: [email protected]
- same text-to-speech capability as OrCam My Reader (above) with added features
- facial recognition can be programmed for up to 100 people
- bar code scanner reads product details
- currency identifier
- programmable to identify favorite products
- color ID
- date & time
- not yet hearing-aid-compatible
Jordy by Enhanced Vision

Jordy

$3,695.
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
Acesight by Zoomax

Acesight

$4,995.
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.
eSight

$5,950 (as of January 2019)
web: esighteyewear.com

We discussed this product based on our OEPatients.org article, eSight Up Close.

Aira

web: aira.io

A monthly subscriptions starts at $89 for 100 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
To learn more about Aira, read our latest review on the service, Aira at the Airport.

Originally published on October 25, 2018 and updated on January 28, 2019.
October 25, 2018
eSight Up Close

Note: In January 2019, eSight announced a permanent 40% price reduction for its eSight electronic glasses, from $10,000 USD to $5,950 USD. In February 2020 the price was again reduced to $3995 USD.

eSight is a head-mounted video display that uses magnification to help people with low vision see. It requires a visual function to work, provides optimal benefit to those with visual acuities around 20/200, and with a field view greater than 15 degrees. The device can even be useful for people with acuities as low as 20/1000.

The 1st generation of this product came to market in 2013 at a price of $15,000. Generation 3 arrived in 2017 at just under $10,000. Currently sold in about 42 countries, there are about over 1,000 eSight devices in use today. The company offers assistance to help customers find funding for the device.

eSight has received a lot of media attention, but it has not really caught on. Price most certainly is a factor.

A woman walking while using eSight glasses in a city.

Recently, a friend scheduled an eSight demo in New York and invited me to join. We both have advanced central vision loss. He was not able to benefit at all from eSight, but I was. And I began to see the light.

The eSight 3 is a cumbersome visor-like device. It is heavier than I expect and there is a wire that is attached to a battery pack. The eSight specialist adjusts the device and I am able to look across the room and see her colleague smiling at me. I can tell she is wearing bright red lipstick and a red and white print scarf.

This is indeed a moment. I look around the room and walk over to look out the window. They show me how I might read with this device, zooming into the print. For me, nothing else feels quite as profound as being able to see a person’s face from the other side of a room.

Although I would have difficulty wearing the eSight device in public for daily activities like commuting, restaurant dining, or grocery store shopping, perhaps others would be unfazed. The potential benefits are highly individual. There are many ways this device can keep you working, enjoying hobbies, watching TV. And of course, seeing people.

Remember, it comes down to adjusting, and it takes some time to get comfortable. If eSight can give you back or help you maintain function, and you use it every day, it can be a worthwhile investment.

eSight Resources

eSight’s Frequently Asked Questions

eSight 3 Demonstration Video from The Chicago Lighthouse

In this video, Luke Scriven, Assistive Technology Specialist at The Chicago Lighthouse, explores eSight 3’s features.

Testimonial Video by Techish

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Yvonne Felix is a working professional, public and community artist, and a mother of two, living with Stargardt disease. In this video, she demonstrates her experience with eSight 3. eSight CEO Brian Mech joins her to explain how it works.

Disclaimer: Yvonne is a beta-tester number one for eSight, starting in 2012. We’d also like to note that, more accurately, the device can potentially assist with helping people who are “legally blind” see better with the sight they have remaining.

Please note that 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 December 1, 2017 and updated on October 10, 2018.

October 10, 2018