Your low vision device is called a spectacle-mounted telescope. Telescopes can be handheld, clip-on, or mounted onto glasses. A telescope will help you see things better at a distance.
Use the telescope with your right or left eye. The other eye may be covered with a patch. The purpose of the patch is to allow you to concentrate on what you are seeing with the telescope. Patching will not harm your eyes. If you have a binocular telescope you will be using both eyes.
DO NOT TRY TO WALK AROUND WHILE LOOKING THROUGH YOUR TELESCOPE. YOU CAN EASILY TRIP AND FALL IF YOU DO SO.
Locate the object you wish to see by raising the glasses or your chin and looking underneath the telescope. Keep looking at the object while you lower your chin or the glasses and look through the telescope to see the object clearly. You may have to turn the focusing ring with your right or left hand until the image is as clear as possible. (If you have a binocular telescope, focus one eye at a time while the other eye is closed.) Move your head and telescope together when scanning to see the entire object or moving target. Always move slowly, because the telescope makes things appear to pass by quickly. If the distance between you and the object changes, you may need to refocus. If there seems to be a problem with lighting or glare, try repositioning yourself.
If you are using your telescope for near tasks, you will need to adjust the focus for this closer distance by making the barrel of your telescope longer. If you have been given a reading cap, first make the barrel of your telescope as short as possible, then place the reading cap on the end of your telescope before beginning to read. To avoid back or neck strain, hold your reading material in a vertical position. A reading stand or clipboard may help you keep the material flat and steady and at the proper focus for your telescope. To keep the image clear, it is crucial that you maintain a consistent distance between yourself and the page. To locate your place in the reading material, place your finger where you wish to start reading, then look through the telescope to find your finger to begin reading. Adjust your light to properly illuminate your reading material.
Practice for approximately 5-10 minutes several times a day in the beginning. Remember that some eye strain, muscle tightness, and possibly even a headache may occur. These symptoms are occurring because you are exercising your eyes in a new way. If these symptoms persist you may want to contact one of our doctors.
Remember learning to use your spectacle-mounted telescope may take some time, practice and patience.
If your frame or telescope goes out of alignment or breaks, do not try to adjust or repair it. Please call your doctor to schedule an appointment for the adjustment or repair of your telescopic system.
Care of your telescope: Clean your telescope with a clean, damp, lint-free cloth. Do not clean your telescope with chemicals or immerse it in water.
If you have any questions, you should call your low vision doctor.
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the LowVision.com Site.