Magnifiers can be used in the workplace by people who have visual impairments, to allow them to view objects and hard copy documents more clearly. The most common types of magnifiers are video magnifiers that can be either black and white or coloured. They can be used to magnify print, handwriting and graphics. Video magnifiers can zoom in on exact information and can also magnify handwriting as the person writes.
There are a variety of other magnifiers that may also be of use in the workplace:
- floor standing lamps and magnifiers
- magnifiers on a clamp
- clip on spectacle magnifiers
- magnifiers on a flexible arm attached to a base
- magnifier tweezers
- pocket sized, portable, handheld magnifiers.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a number of desktop magnifiers that could prove suitable for the workplace. These enable the person to read and write documents and carry out other tasks requiring ‘near’ work. Portable magnifiers may also be useful in workplaces where magnification may be required of smaller items such as book titles, labels, photocopier screens, archive file labels and products numbers.
Both desktop and portable magnifiers are available in black and white or coloured versions and many can take snap shots of the page which can be referred to again at a later stage.
Magnifiers can also be used in conjunction with Optical Character Recognition systems and screen reading software to allow an individual to scan a book and use the software to read the contents of the page to them:
There are a number of things to consider when selecting an appropriate magnifier such as:
- the level of visual loss and therefore the strength of magnification required
- the type of material to be read
- the reading environment such as the available lighting
- physical ability to operate magnifier
- whether the magnifier need to be portable or desk based.
Before purchasing a magnifier, it is recommended that a qualified professional be consulted to ensure that the correct magnifier is selected to fully meet the person’s needs. For more information see the link below:
For more information regarding magnifiers and other equipment to assist with reading, see the links below:
References
Quantum Technology 2011, Low Vision Hardware, Quantum Technology, Sydney, viewed 13 May 2011, www.quantumrlv.com.au/Low-Vision-Hardware.html.
Vision Australia 2009, Video Magnifiers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1240.
Vision Australia 2009, Near magnification—overview, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=2179.