Instructing Clients in the Use of Low Vision Devices: Spectacle Magnifiersstatic.crowdwisdomhq.com/aota/courses/LowVisionSCORM2004... · 2013-11-20 · Instructing Clients in the

Instructing Clients in the Use of Low Vision Devices: Spectacle Magnifiers

If the client’s head turns, the page is no longer at the same distance (compare the lengths of the arrows).

Client starting with the material too close Client starting with the material at the correct distance

Finding the Correct Reading Distance To help clients learn the correct reading distance, occupational therapists can do the following: 1. Have the client start with the reading material too close. Ask them to “touch your nose to the page” or

“smell the ink” (left picture). 2. Then have the client slowly move the reading material away until the print is clear. If the print starts to

blur, the client has moved the material too far away and should bring it closer. The client can move the material closer and farther away until maximum clarity is noted (right picture).

Maintaining the Correct Reading Distance When the client is reading, he or she must keep the reading material at the same distance from the face to keep it in focus. Moving the material side to side enables the client to focus on each word across the page. The client can pretend to be a typewriter (unless they are too young ever to have used a typewriter!). The client should not turn their head from side to side, because this can change the working distance, resulting in blurring of the print. Likewise, moving the eyes instead of the page can introduce distortions at the edges of the lenses. Moving the reading material instead helps eliminate or reduce this effect.

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This client adjusts the page as she reads across the line to maintain a constant working distance.

Some clients develop a system of moving the page and the head, but maintaining the same distance from the page. Keeping on the Correct Line When Reading A common problem when reading, particularly with stronger lenses, is moving from the end of one line of print to the next line. These techniques can help clients avoid losing their place: 1. When the client reaches the end of a line, they can visually follow that line back to its beginning and

then drop down to the next line to be read.

By moving the page back and forth, it is easier to keep a constant working distance.



Client using the thumb to mark the beginning of the line being read

Client using a typoscope to keep place

2. While reading, the client can place the left thumb at the beginning of the line being read. When the

client gets to the end of the line, they find the thumb and then move it down to the next line to be read.

3. The client can use a typoscope as a reading guide to mark the line being read. When the client returns

to the beginning of the line just read, they simply move the typoscope to the next line and continue reading. A typoscope also reduces the light reflecting off the page, usually enhancing the perceived contrast of the print being viewed.



Newspaper with a line drawn between columns

Newspaper folded between columns

Client using the thumb at the beginning of the line being read

Keeping in the Correct Column When reading material printed in column form (e.g., a newspaper), some clients tend to read into the column to the right instead of returning to the beginning of the next line of the current column. To avoid this, the client can do one of the following: 1. Draw a line down the page between columns to make the division more noticeable.

2. Fold the paper so they cannot read into the next column.

3. Place the right thumb or finger at the end of the line. When the client reaches it, they move the thumb

or finger down to the end of the next line, go to the beginning of that line, and read across again to the thumb or finger. The process is repeated for each line.


Instructing Clients in the Use of Low Vision Devices: Spectacle Magni�ers Writing with Spectacle Magnifiers

With spectacle magnifiers, the working distance is close, and it is important that the client maintain this distance when writing. A stand or lap desk to support the material and bring it closer to the client’s face can sometimes make a significant difference in maintaining this close distance. Also, writing does not usually require the same detail discrimination as does reading, and therefore it can be accomplished with a weaker lens, allowing a greater working distance. The use of a felt-tipped pen can also increase visibility, making stronger lenses less important.

Using a Clipboard, Reading Stand, or Lap Desk

Because maintaining the correct distance and orientation of the reading or writing material is very important, it sometimes helps to use something to hold the material flat. It can be as simple as a clipboard.

Client using a clipboard to hold the page easily at a close distance.

Client writing with a spectacle magni�ier. A strong lens requires a very close working distance (left). With a weaker lens, the working distance increases, giving more room to write (middle and

right).


Newspaper on a clipboard, supported on a pillow

Instructing Clients in the Use of Low Vision Devices: Spectacle Magnifiers A reading stand or lap desk can be particularly important when the material is too heavy for the client to hold (such as a large book) or when the client has a hand tremor or weakness that makes it hard to hold the material steady. To avoid having to lean over too much to read, the client can further elevate the lap desk by placing a pillow or book (e.g., a phone book) under it. The lap desk - or reading stand - must be supported or anchored so it does not slide away from the client during use. Working on a tablecloth instead of a smooth surface can help keep the support in place. Using Proper Illumination Because lighting is critical, the use of an appropriate lamp is of the utmost importance. The distance of the light and the angle of the light in relation to the page are the main factors in controlling the perceived brightness and reducing glare, and any reading lamp should be adjustable for both factors. The light must have the appropriate shade so the light can be directed at the page and not into the client’s eyes. In Module 3, lighting is discussed in more detail.

Client reading a heavy book supported on lap desk

This lamp is positioned to the side, and the shade is angled so the light falls on the page

and does not go into the client’s eyes.

Lap desk elevated by placing it on a second pillow



A client using damp fingers to clean spectacle lenses

Correct way to lay glasses on a table— folded, with the lenses facing up

Caring for Spectacle Magnifiers Occupational therapists can give clients with low vision the following instructions on caring for their spectacle magnifiers: 1. Always wash lenses before wiping them. Never wipe lenses when they are dry, because this can cause

scratches.

2. If the glasses have a multiple-lens system, do not immerse them in water. You can use a damp finger or cloth to wet the lens surface and then pat or wipe it gently to dry.

3. Be careful of using soap to clean lenses. Some soaps contain oils or other chemicals that can cause

smudges on the lenses. In some cases, soaps can affect coatings that are on the lenses, which can ultimately affect vision through the lenses. A good soap to use is Palmolive (Colgate-Palmolive, New York).

4. Always keep glasses in their case when not being worn. 5. Never lay glasses on a table with the front of the lenses against the table surface. Always close the

temples (sidepieces) and lay the glasses so the fronts of the lenses are facing up.

Wrong way to lay glasses on a table—face down, with the lenses on the table


Documents

Instructing Clients in the Use of Low Vision Devices: Spectacle Magnifiersstatic.crowdwisdomhq.com/aota/courses/LowVisionSCORM2004... · 2013-11-20 · Instructing Clients in the