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Video Magnifiers Once, the only kind of magnifier was a simple handheld device, like the magnifying glass fictional detective Sherlock Holmes used to inspect evidence. “Elementary, my dear Watson,” Holmes would boast as magnification helped him solve yet another serious crime. Simple, old‐fashioned magnifying glasses remain handy, portable, and inexpensive, and are still essential items for many people with vision loss. However, larger, powerful electronic magnification devices can also provide remarkable benefits. Video magnifiers make possible sustained reading and allow for choices, such as degree of enlargement, contrast and brightness; color backgrounds; varied ergonomic designs, and more. They are equipped with cameras that magnify and project images onto a screen. Video magnifiers require active use. When reading text, you move a tray upon which the reading materials sit, so that the desired passages are enlarged and projected. Keeping track of and moving the text can take practice, but the rewards can be great; for many individuals, magnified text is much easier to read! Video magnification can make possible a range of activities: reading newspapers, directories, maps, recipe cards, and books; enjoying photographs and illustrations; making sense of product labels; and writing checks and filling out forms. It is important to understand that eye conditions vary, and that some people with vision loss are not helped by magnification. However, video magnifiers have transformed thousands of lives.
Toward a Video Magnifier Loan Program For many people, the downside of the video magnifier is cost—$2,000‐$3,000 per new unit. The Iris Network wants to help people gain access to video magnifiers. We are working to fund a loan program to make this technology accessible to individuals with limited resources. If you have an interest in making a financial gift to help us launch our upcoming video magnifier loan program, or in donating a used model, please call Lesley Heiser at The Iris Network. To learn more about video magnifiers and to make an appointment to explore this technology, please call Ruth Mlotek at The Iris Network.
The Iris Network’s 10th Annual Golf Classic on June 13, 2008 at Sable Oaks Golf Club, South Portland was a great success. Revenues will enable us to develop and deliver services to people adjusting to vision loss across the state. In addition to a beautiful morning of golf, players enjoyed a delicious buffet and an upbeat luncheon program led by radio personality Dave Winsor, from 99.9 The Wolf. Our rich, informative, and enjoyable event was marked by perfect weather and wonderful camaraderie. Our sincere thanks to the following sponsors for helping to make the annual golf event a success!
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