What is a low vision aid?

A low vision aid is a device that helps people with partial sight see more clearly and do everyday tasks with greater ease. Low vision aids do not restore eyesight, but they help you read, write, watch television, and stay independent. Examples include magnifiers, electronic readers, and devices that read text out loud.

What is a text-to-speech device?

A text-to-speech device is a small, portable gadget that reads printed words out loud. You hold it over a page, a label, or a sign, and it speaks the words to you. It is especially helpful for people who find reading difficult due to macular degeneration or other low vision conditions. Vision Matters carries several models, including the OrCam Read and Envision Glasses.

What products do you offer for macular degeneration?

Vision Matters offers a range of products suited to macular degeneration, including desktop reading magnifiers, portable electronic magnifiers, and text-to-speech devices. The best choice depends on your level of vision and daily needs. Our specialists can help you find the right fit during a free in-home visit.

Can I try the products before I buy?

Yes. Vision Matters offers free in-home demonstrations across Washington, Idaho, and Montana. One of our specialists will come to your home, show you how each device works, and help you find the right solution for your daily routine. There is no obligation to buy.

Do you serve my area?

Vision Matters serves customers across Western Washington (including Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane, and Tacoma), Eastern Washington (including Richland and Yakima), Northern Idaho (including Coeur d'Alene), and Montana (including Billings). If you are not sure whether we cover your location, call us at (253) 447-8255 or send a message through our contact page.

Low Vision Aids and Devices

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At Vision Matters, we specialize in providing a comprehensive range of low-vision aids designed to enhance the daily lives of individuals with visual impairments.

What Are Low Vision Aids?

Low vision aids are tools that help people with partial sight do everyday tasks more easily. They are not glasses or surgery. They are practical devices that make things bigger, brighter, or easier to read and hear.

If you or someone you love is having trouble reading, recognizing faces, watching television, or reading price tags at the store, a low vision aid may help. These devices are designed for people who have lost some vision but still have useful sight remaining.

Vision Matters carries a full range of low vision devices, from simple handheld magnifiers to electronic reading tools that speak text aloud. We serve customers across Washington, Idaho, and Montana, and we come to you for a free, no-obligation in-home demonstration.

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Our Low Vision Devices

Our curated selection of products at Vision Matters includes:

Desktop Reading

Desktop readers, also called video magnifiers, use a camera and a large screen to make printed materials easier to see. They can enlarge mail, books, newspapers, bills, photos, and medication labels while improving contrast and reducing eye strain. These low vision aids are especially helpful for comfortable reading at home.

Explorē 12 displaying text and a photo while magnifying a printed page underneath the screen.

Mobile Desktop Magnifiers

Mobile desktop magnifiers are electronic magnifiers with a larger screen than most handheld devices, but they are still easy to move from room to room. They help with reading, writing, paperwork, crafts, photos, and hobbies when you need more viewing space without a full-size desktop system.

Reveal 16i portable desktop magnifier displaying magnified text and images for low-vision reading support

Portable Electronic Magnifiers

Portable electronic magnifiers are handheld low vision devices that use a small camera and screen to enlarge text and objects wherever you are. They help read menus, price tags, prescription bottles, labels, receipts, and other small print at home, in stores, or while traveling.

Text-to-Speech

Text-to-speech devices scan printed words and read them aloud in a clear voice. These reading aids are helpful when magnification is not enough or reading causes fatigue. They can assist with mail, prescriptions, books, menus, financial paperwork, and other printed materials.

Wearables

Wearable low vision technology includes smart glasses and head-worn devices that help with reading, watching TV, seeing faces, identifying objects, or hearing text read aloud. These devices offer hands-free support for people who want help seeing or understanding their surroundings more easily.

Accessories

Low vision accessories help make electronic magnifiers and reading devices easier and more comfortable to use. Options such as carts, reading stands, XY tables, and clear page holders can improve stability, positioning, comfort, and everyday use of your low vision equipment.

Who Are These Products For?

Our products are designed for people living with conditions that affect their central or peripheral vision. This includes macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinal tears, cataracts, and other causes of low vision.

You do not need to be fully blind to benefit from these tools. Most of our customers still have some useful vision and are looking for ways to stay independent, keep reading, and carry on with the activities they enjoy.

We also work with family members and caregivers who are helping a loved one find the right solution. If you are not sure where to start, call us or request a free in-home demonstration. We will guide you through the options.

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How We Help You Choose the Right Device

Choosing the right low vision aid can feel overwhelming. There are many types of devices, and not every product suits every person. That is why Vision Matters offers free in-home consultations across Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

One of our specialists will visit you at home, assess your specific needs, and show you products that suit your daily routines. You can try them before you decide. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Call us at (253) 447-8255 or use our contact form to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a low vision aid?

What is a text-to-speech device?

What products do you offer for macular degeneration?

Can I try the products before I buy?

Do you serve my area?

More Resources

Washington Resources

EMP Living LLC – Adaptive lift chairs for people with physical disabilities.
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind – A premier resource for those with blindness or low vision, the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind can help to retrain and find employment for adult people with impaired vision.
Washington Sensory Disablilities Services: Blind/Visually Impaired – The instructional resource center from the Washington Sensory Disabilities Services department offers lists of online and physical resources for the blind and visually impaired. They also sponsor an email listserv for visually impaired people and their families to network with each other for support and to share information.
VA Puget Sound Blind and Low Vision Rehabilitation Services – The VA facilities at Seattle and American Lake (Tacoma) provide Low Vision Optometry appointments, case management, assessments and training for Veterans with vision loss. American Lake also offers a residential Blind Rehabilitation Center for comprehensive training, lasting on average 4-5 weeks. Offerings include Orientation & Mobility, Visual Skills, Access Technology, Daily Living Skills, Manual Skills, and Recreation Therapy. A Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST) Coordinator is the first point of contact for Veterans with vision loss. Reach out to the VIST at either location if you would like information.
Seattle: 206-764-2758
American Lake: 253-583-1287

National Federation of the Blind of Idaho – As a consumer advocacy organization, the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho strives to improve the lives of blind and low vision people throughout Idaho. Their current initiative is an effort to get Braille menus in restaurants across Idaho.
Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired – Idaho individuals who are visually impaired or blind can get help from the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired who will connect individuals with the resources they need. Their focus is on rehabilitation and employment assistance, although they also offer financial assistance for medical treatments to slow the onset of blindness.

Atkinson Hyperlegible font – Atkinson Hyperlegible font is named after Braille Institute founder, Robert J. Atkinson. What makes it different from traditional typography design is that it focuses on letterform distinction to increase character recognition, ultimately improving readability. Our web site uses this font if it is installed on your computer.
U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs – Veterans of the US Armed Forces who are legally blind or suffering from impaired vision can get assistance from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. They will help provide medical treatment and rehabilitation, as well as connect you with resources to obtain products that will enhance and enable an independent lifestyle. We all want to be independent, and as a veteran of our Armed Forces, you deserve to enjoy the country that you fought so hard for.
Enhanced Vision – Enhanced Vision is a leading developer of assistive technology for the visually impaired including Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Retinitis Pigementosa and Diabetic Retinopathy. Low vision assistive technology enables people to read, write and fully participate in life.