LowVision.com - Your Low Vision Resource Center

Decreased visual acuity does not have to lead to the loss of independence. Often simple changes in the home combined with the use of low vision aids and proper organization can allow the person with visual impairment to live as they had been used to living. The following information is presented to serve as a helpful guide and does not address all tasks or difficult situations. If your vision prevents you from performing a certain task, do not assume that it cannot be done. All of the home adaptations should be used in conjunction with the use of low vision glasses, low vision aids and training in the use of the low vision aids. A low vision eye examination performed by an eye doctor who specializes in vision rehabilitation will address all daily tasks that you are having difficulty performing. The doctor will then prescribe low vision aids or products that will help you perform the desired task. The doctor may also prescribe the services of an occupational therapist or vision rehabilitation specialist who can work with you in the home so that you become proficient using low vision aids and glasses and learn to perform all daily tasks. The goal of low vision rehabilitation is to help the client remain independent while performing their desired daily living tasks and hobbies.

To help establish a better practice model for visually impaired solutions, ShopLowVision.com a sister company of LowVision.com was formed. This eCommerce Website has the most comprehensive line – nearly 7,000 low vision solutions with daily living products, video magnifiers, optical products, and professional tools. It is the first ever low vision e-commerce store with business to business, business to consumer, and business to professional interface all-in-one. Most of all it is the first e-commerce site aligned with best practice model for low vision rehabilitation (AOA, AAO, AOTA, AER).

There are four factors that should be considered when a decrease in vision poses a problem:

1. Increase task illumination. Use gooseneck lamps, illuminated magnifiers and flashlights. An elderly person requires nearly three times as much light as a 20-year-old. A person who is visually impaired may need even more lighting.
2. Decrease glare from lighting, windows and sun as glare can further reduce vision and cause fatigue.
3. Modify the size of the object with either large print versions of the product or with special low vision magnification products and glasses. An eye doctor who specializes in low vision rehabilitation will be able to prescribe the needed glasses or magnifiers that are necessary to perform a certain task. Eye glasses and magnifiers can be made up to 20X power. Electronic low vision aids can provide up to 60X power.
4. Enhance contrast between the object and its surroundings.

Optelec ClearView+ Desktop Video Magnifier in the kitchen.

In the Kitchen

• Attach lights to the underside of cabinets to increase task light in work area. Incandescent light is usually better than fluorescent light. Do not create glare.
• Gooseneck lamps can be used to see food that is being prepared or cooked. To avoid glare place lamp below eye level.
• Use special aids for the kitchen:
  • Large Print Kitchen timer.
  • Cutting board with a black side and a white side to enhance contrast while cutting.
  • Special measuring cups that enhance contrast or have large print markings.
  • Use a knife with adjustable slicing guide to make easy and safe cuts.
  • Use an audible liquid level guide when pouring liquids.
• Label grocery products as soon as they are brought home from the grocery store. Products can be labeled with large white address labels using black marker. Braille labels can be made or a personal code can be created using various numbers of rubber bands around the products.
• Organize shelves systematically and place products in alphabetical order.
• Organize kitchen drawers.
• Put pots, ice cube trays or containers that contain liquids on a rimmed cookie sheet to avoid spills when moving these pots or containers.
• To judge liquid levels, use pots or containers with a white interior to see dark colored liquids or pots and containers with a dark interior to see light colored liquids.
• Have a storage system for location of food in pantry or refrigerator.
• To identify the markings of the microwave, stove, refrigerator or thermostat:
  • Mark the dials with raised orange or clear stick-on dots.
  • Use additional lighting in the form of a lamp or flashlight.
  • Use a lighted hand magnifier or a stick on magnifier over these dials.
  • Learn to listen or feel for the “clicks” of various settings.
• Use an audible meat thermometer or use a thermometer with raised marks to test if meat is done. Time your cooking with a large print Kitchen timer.
• To avoid getting burned, get in the habit of shutting the burner off before removing food. Hold hand well above a burner to check if the burner is warm. Know the off position of the stove knobs.
• Do not wear loose clothes with long sleeves that could catch on fire.
• Turn pan handles inward from the stove or counter edge.
• Use Corel or plastic dishes if you are concerned about broken glass.
• Set a timer or turn on a light as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
• Use oven mitts that cover the arm up to the elbow when removing food from the oven.

Set plates on a contrasting table cloth or placemat in order to see the edge of your plate more easily.

Eating

• Use dishes that have a dark side and a light side to provide contrast to your food.
• Set plates on a contrasting table cloth or placemat.
• Do not use heavily decorated plates as food becomes difficult to identify.
• Do not use clear glasses or dishes as they are invisible. Enhance contrast between the food and the dish or cup. For example, use a white cup when pouring coffee. Place the white cup on a dark mat rather than on a white or light colored counter or table.
• Place a gooseneck lamp over your plate. Use portable lighting in restaurants. Increased overhead lighting may cause glare.
• Have a system for placing the food on the plate, for example, meat at 6:00 o’clock, potatoes at 9:00 o’clock and vegetables at 3:00 o’clock.
• Use plates that have a rim to avoid spilling food on the table.
• Use a pusher, such as a piece of bread, to place food on spoon or fork.
• Eat food inward from the edge of the plate to avoid pushing food on the table.

In the Living Room

• Area rugs can be used to define areas for people with poor vision. Be sure to tack down edges to avoid tripping.
• Replace square or rectangle coffee tables with round tables to eliminate hitting a sharp corner in the event of a fall.
• Drape tables with a cloth in a contrasting color to increase visibility.
• Use drapes, couches and chairs in bright or contrasting colors.
• Use additional lighting to increase over all illumination and goose neck lamps near your favorite chair.
• Open or close drapes, curtains and blinds to increase illumination in the room or decrease glare whenever needed.


Large button remote controls and bioptic telescopes will help you enjoy your favorite telivision program.

Stairs and Steps

• Most falls occur on the top step so visual control of this step is necessary.
• The top and bottom steps should be well illuminated.
• Paint the top and bottom step in a contrasting color if possible or use contrasting tape that will not catch the shoe. If using tape, make the tape wider on the bottom and top steps.
• Use localized lighting on each step as is used in theaters.
• Make sure the handrail is visible and in a contrasting color from the wall. It should extend past the top and bottom steps for easy grasping.

In the Hallway

• Use track lighting to increase illumination in a long hallway.
• Install a runner in a contrasting color down the center of the hallway to serve as a visual guide. Be sure to tack down the edges to avoid tripping.
• Put a rail along the length of the hall to act as a guide.
• Use different wall textures in halls and adjacent rooms to provide a tactile cue. Wallpapers and paints come in many textures.
• Paint door frames in a contrasting color to the walls to provide greater visibility.

In the Bedroom

• Wear good slippers with backs and wear slippers only when going to bed. Wear shoes at all other times. Put shoes or slippers away as soon as they are removed to avoid tripping.
• Do not walk around in socks.
• Put furniture along walls unless it is needed for support or balance.
• Remove the footboard of the bed or put a blanket over the corners as this can pose a hazard in the event of a fall.
• If you have a difficult time seeing after lights are turned on, replace all wall switches with dimmer switches.
• Keep a night light on all night. Place one in both the bedroom and bathroom and all hallways.
• Install lighting in closets but remember to avoid glare.
• Be organized; put everything in its own place. Put dividers in drawers to separate items.
• Learn to hang outfits that go together on the same hanger or place hangers together with rubber bands.
• Use sock sorters to keep matching socks together in the wash and in your drawers.
• Attach an organizer caddy to the side of the bed or use a tray or box on the nightstand to organize tissues, eyeglasses etc. This will also prevent their falling off the night table.

Many talking products are available including this talking thermometer.

In the Bathroom

• The bathroom can be a dangerous place as there is a combination of slipperiness, hard floors and glare from reflective surfaces.
• Try not to spill liquids or soap.
• Use a contrasting colored bathroom floor rug with a non-skid backing.
• Use a bath mat with non-skid backing and a textured surface. Use in a contrasting color to the tub or shower so that the inside of the tub or shower is visible.
• Install grab bars, towel bars or a tub/shower seat in a contrasting color to provide safety and visibility of these objects.
• Put contrasting tape around the edge of the tub to provide increased visibility.
• Place a contrasting hand towel over the edge of the tub to provide increased visibility.
• Use a bar of soap in a contrasting color to the bathmat so that it is more visible when dropped.
• To see the water level in the tub or a sink, place a brightly colored object or sponge in the tub that will float as the water rises. Put a contrasting tape at desired water level.
• To avoid getting burned by water, learn the correct rotation of the faucets for the desired temperature. Always turn off hot water first and then cold water.
• Use towels in contrasting color to the bathroom walls and sink.
• Install a wall mounted liquid soap and shampoo dispenser or use soap on a rope.
• To find out your weight use a talking scale or a scale with a waist or eye level dial. Put bright adhesive tape at your desired weight. Use a scale with moveable weights as you can feel the clicks as the weights are moved and can feel when the moving arm is balance.
• Using the toilet:
  • Replace the toilet seat with a seat in contrasting color to the floor and walls.
  • Use toilet tissue in a contrasting color.
  • Use a frame with an arm which fits over the toilet seat and can be easily grasped.
• Brushing Teeth:
  • Switch to a contrasting color tooth brush so that it will show up in the medicine cabinet or on the sink.
  • Squeeze the tooth past onto your palm, finger, teeth or tongue and then wipe it up with the toothbrush.
  • Buy special low vision tooth brushes with black bristles.
• Organize medicine cabinets and place medicines in alphabetical order.
• Toss out medication that is no longer used to avoid confusion.


Use a hand magnifier to see the print on your medicine bottle. Magnifiers are made specifically for medicine bottles.

• Identifying medicine:
  • Attach a white label with large black print to the bottle.
  • Place your pills on a contrasting mat so that they will be visible. White pills on a light colored counter top are difficult to see.
  • Use a hand magnifier to see the print. Magnifiers are made specifically for medicine bottles.
  • Use a recorder that is made for medicine bottles. Your pharmacist or doctor can record the medicine name and dosage. To identify the medicine in the bottle, simply push the button for the voice recording.
  • Use a medicine organizer. They are available in regular and large print versions.
  • To see or use syringes ask your doctor what will work best for you. Stand magnifiers, syringe magnifiers or strong low vision glasses (not drug store glasses) can help you see the markings on a syringe. Syringes are also available in pre-measured dosages or in syringes that make clicking sounds as you measure your insulin.
• Always close the door of the medicine cabinet to avoid hitting your head or switch to a medicine cabinet with sliding doors.
• Use a wall-mounted mirror with an extension arm or a magnifying mirror with or without illumination to help with grooming. Magnification mirrors are made up to 10X power.

Using Electrical outlets

• Color the outlet plate a dark color so that the light colored outlet is more visible.
• Tack a short extension cord to the wall at a convenient height or use a surge protector in a convenient place making the outlet more accessible.


Good lighting and magnifiers can help with hobbies and crafts.

Lighting and adjusting to differing illumination levels

• If you have a difficult time seeing after lights are turned on, replace all wall switches with dimmer switches.
• If you have difficulty seeing when entering a room from outside, wear Sunglasses outdoors and remove as soon as you enter the room.
• Stay stationary while your eyes adjust to differing illumination levels.
• Keep a nightlight on at all times in all rooms.
• If a room is to dark, change curtains or blinds to let in more daylight. Paint The walls a light color.
• Put contrasting tape around a light switch or use a switch plate in contrasting color to increase visibility of the light switch.
• Increase the wattage of bulbs so that light is adequate. Do not create glare. Fluorescent bulbs that screw into regular lamp sockets provide more light than incandescent bulbs and may be helpful for overall room illumination. Keep in mind; this may not be the best light source for reading.
• Use task oriented incandescent lighting to supplement general room lighting. A gooseneck lamp with a 60 � 75 watt incandescent bulb placed one-foot from your reading material may be the best type of light for reading. Talk to your low vision eye doctor regarding the appropriate light for your tasks.
• During the day, light from a window may be good for reading.
• Use amber tints, such as Corning Glare Control lenses, to decrease glare in the home. These tints come in many colors and will not make the inside of the home to dark while controlling glare.
• If a work surface produces glare, change the surface to a matte or dull top. A table cloth may helpful in controlling glare.

Avoid walking into doors

• Many visually impaired people walk while looking down and may walk into a door. Remove doors in rooms where privacy is not an issue.
• Use sliding or pocket doors.
• Use magnetic door stops to keep doors open.
• Close cabinet or closet drawers as soon as you are finished using them.

Floor Coverings

• Floor Coverings may be a cause of accidents.
• Rug corners or edges should be tacked down to avoid tripping.
• Worn and torn carpet or linoleum should be replaced.
• Plain floor covering rather than patterned floor covering is helpful.
• Thresholds should not be more than 1/4 inch high and should be in a contrasting color.

Using the Phone

• Use a large print phone in either black with white letters or white with black letters. Several varieties are available. These phones are also available for the visually impaired person who is also hearing impaired.
• Use a phone with buttons preset with most often dialed numbers.
• Use a phone or cell phone with voice activated dialing so that manual dialing is not necessary.
• Use free directory assistance that is available from most telephone companies. This is available to physically and visually impaired persons and a form must be signed by your doctor.

Washing Clothes

• Use a flashlight or illuminated hand magnifier to see the dials on the washing machine or dryer.
• Use stick-on bumps to mark the settings of the washer and dryer. The bumps provide both tactile and visual cues.
• Mark the dials with bright nail polish or black Sharpie felt marker.

Watching Television

• Sit closer to the television. Even sitting one-foot in front of the television screen will not harm your eyes.
• Place your television directly to the side of your easy chair our buy a larger television if the television must be at a further distance from your chair. Keep in mind; a smaller television with greater resolution placed next to your chair may be more visible than a larger television with poorer resolution placed further away. A digital television has the most contrast and resolution and may be easier to see.
• Make sure room lighting or window lighting does not interfere with the images on the screen.
• Use spectacle-mounted telescopes to increase magnification of the television picture.
• Use a large print television remote control or mark your remote control for greater visibility.
• Use Descriptive Video Services, a service that narrates some movies and television programs.

Writing

• Write with a black felt marker or black gel pen.
• Use special heavy lined paper made specifically for people with visual impairment.
• Use large print checks with tactile lines that are available at all banks.
• Place light colored paper on a dark surface to define the edges of the paper.
• Use writing templates for envelopes, regular checks and writing paper.

Using the Computer

• Use a large print, high contrast keyboard.
• Use a clear font, such as Ariel or Tahoma, when writing. Make this the default font on your computer.
• Increase the size of your monitor.
• Set your incoming email to a font size that is visible to you.
• Use a keyboard or mouse with a built-in magnifier.
• Use the magnifier in the Accessories/Accessibility program in your computer.
• Use computer enlargement software. The enlargement software is available with and without speech capabilities.
• Use voice recognition software programs that will allow you to dictate letters to your computer.
• Get computer training from a person who knows how to use these computer programs.

There are a variety of products to help in your workshop.

In the home workshop

• Use good overall lighting.
• Use a swing-arm or goose neck lamp that can be moved over instruments and tools when they are being used.
• Organize tools and mark with large numbers or raised stick-on dots.
• Put contrasting tape on handles of tools to make them more visible.
• Use large print tape measures.
• Make measured marks with heavy black lines from a felt pen.
• Use magnifiers on a gooseneck stand to provide magnification.
• Use safety goggles.

Locating your apartment and mailbox

• If there are no clearly visible or tactile marks to identify the specific floor when you get off of the elevator, ask the building manager to provide a source of identification.
• Place a rubber band around your door knob to serve as identification to your apartment.
• Place a decal or other stick-on tactile cue on your apartment door.
• Place a decal or other stick-on tactile cue on your mailbox.
• Count how far your mail box is from the first or last mailbox.

Reading printed material away from home

• Carry a small illuminated hand magnifier. If you cannot read with your magnifier, ask your low vision eye doctor for the appropriate power. Strong magnifiers can only be found at a low vision resource center.
• Ask that your church make a large print version of the weekly bulletin. This bulletin is printed from a computer and is easily enlarged.
• If you live in an assistive living facility or senior residence ask that they offer large print versions of menus and activity schedules.