Page 14 - Envision March-April 2020

Cover Story

L O W V ISION P A T IEN T S NEED Y OU

Acesight (Zoomax), a head-mounted wearable device, is
distributed in Canada by Canadialog. A small camera captures
everything in front of the user and presents the scene on a wide,
augmented reality (AR) display suspended from a visor-like
headset. The user can magnify the image up to 15X using a simple
controller.
Image enhancements present text in high-contrast colours
for reading, or outline the scene in front of the viewer. When
activated, everything is outlined with either white lines on black, black lines
on white, or black lines on normal image colour.
Users can zoom out to capture everything in view. Additional zoom-out
levels (1/4 and 1/16) can be used to shrink the image into a viewable area
and the shrunken image can be moved around the display as needed.
Acesight is lightweight and functions for about 4.5 hours on a full charge.
It’s ideal for watching TV, computer use or reading, and provides good
peripheral vision so users can walk around while wearing it.

A GUIDE TO LOW VISION RESOURCES

• Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, which is under the CNIB umbrella, provides low vision
assessments, and mobility and independent living skills training. Their services require a
referral from an ECP or other healthcare provider. Call toll-free 1.844.887.8572 or visit
https://www.visionlossrehab.ca.
• Eschenbach Optik is a major supplier of low vision aids. Eschenbach.com provides a link to
low vision information and resources.

• Lighthouseguild.org offers online courses for ECPs and other healthcare professionals
who want to learn more about low vision care. From there, you can download the e-book
“Clinician’s Guide to Low Vision Practice.”

Highlights include:
• Menu-driven presentation
• SOS emergency button
The S-Tel smart phone, available in Canada • Simple additional applications, such as
from Cecitech, offers voice command and FM radio, Be my Eyes and Skype
dictation with keywords to call contacts, Main features:
send text messages or launch functions, • Contact management
all without the need for Wi-Fi or 4G • Notes
connection (voice recognition is embedded). • Voice recorder
It features a true ergonomic keyboard, with • Audio book player
large, well-spaced buttons that allow for
comfortable operation. Specifications:
• Screen: 2.8-inch TFT colour screen,
240px x 320px
• Camera: 2.0 MPx

12 / MARCH — APRIL 2020 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /