Mobility Glasses

Electronic devices vs “Analog” devices

Many referring doctors ask me about the use of electronic devices for low vision patients.  Patient responses to the current electronic devises often sounds like this:  Helen K. is trying on an electronic head borne device, she views the room and the face of a loved one, is able to see print, says, “Wow”, and then removes it and asks, “What else do you have?” because they find the device is too complex and heavy.  In addition, the view is very limited.

I have worked with several companies and have a front seat to some of the upcoming technology.  The ideal electronic low vision device should be simple, hands free, easy to use, light to wear.  Unfortunately, I have not seen any devices that match what our patients need.  

However, there are many other devices that low vision patients love, because they are successful in improving their quality of life (telescopes, prismatics and microscopes).

More than two thirds of the patients that I see have already experienced electronics due to the intervention of well-meaning family members or friends.  While they are initially excited about the technology, they find them cumbersome and complicated.  Even my teen patients prefer the ‘tried and true’ devices.

This does not mean we do not have the patients try the devices.  However, the electronic world needs to do some work to become more pragmatic and similar to the tried and true devices in terms of function.  Example: Using a telescope for reading with an electronic reader allows more words on a screen.
But why the lack of acceptance of the current technology?  Very few people want to read a novel sitting upright at a table.  Almost every head borne device does not allow mobility.  The quality of the image is too pixelated.  There are too many buttons for them to remember how to use it.  
Currently, the most patient embraced devices are the variety of electronic magnifiers.  The learning curve is shallow and the need for reverse contrast, due to glare, is appreciated.  But in the end, the more ‘hands free’ these patients are with their devices, the happier they are.
I always stay on top of the latest technology so we have every option possible for our patients.  I do believe that in the near future electronic devices will be our standard of care.

Cordially, John P, Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS

P.S. Low Vision begins at 20/40!