Misconception NO.1: Decide without Doctor’s Advice
It’s better to make the purchase choice after obtaining professional diagnosis from ophthalmologists, for some regular video magnifier cannot match special needs. For example, some users with normal hearing (together with some even with better hearing enhanced by impaired eyesight), video magnifier with speech function might be the first choice.
What’s more, parts of severe low vision patients lack awareness of risk of getting blind. Their video magnifier would soon be of no use. Some welfare states or regions provide one free alternative device between video magnifier and braille display; one without doctor’s guide might choose wrong and have to make extract cost for new device.
Anyway, suggestions from doctor should be always at the first priority.
Misconception NO.2: Magnification Matters Only
Bulks of people are somehow likely to query “why should I choose video magnifier since normal magnifier can magnify as well”. Essentially almost every assistive device for visually impaired is equipped with magnification function but the magnification principles vary so as the display effects. For instance, edge distortion which might cause nausea after long time reading especially for users with glaucoma (getting predisposition of queasiness as an outcome of high pressure on nerves) is more than common, mostly on simple lens optical magnifiers. In this aspect video magnifier offers a better solution.
For some AMD patients, they would not accept the appearance of bringing a magnifier everywhere which is regarded as a symbol of “outdated”. But an electronic magnifier can ease their worries. According to the feedback from one of the campaigns in 2015 (World Sight Day, Zoomax M5 See with You), grandkids did fairly authenticate the importance to consider people’s self-respects.
No need to hold in a certain distance, high contrast color mode adjustment and additional digital functions are of bigger importance when it comes to better accessibility, which matters more than magnification only.
Misconception NO.3: Definition is of Nothing
It seems a common awareness that ambiguous vision of visually impaired patients means no definition requirement. However, comparatively good residue eyesight is still with some visually impaired patients. The definition has a direct effect on their visual senses. Furthermore, patients’ judgement of clarity means great to ophthalmologist since “blurry magnified image” would be confusion for both doctors and users themselves.
High definition is also conducive to capture micro details, facilitating the recognition of tiny prints like difference between Vitamin B and Vitamin D on pill bottles. That’s how high definition does the heavy lifting in daily life.
Misconception NO.4: The More High Contrast Color Modes are Provided, The Better This Device Will be
Variety of high contrast color modes will sometimes puzzles people in need of video magnifier. As a result, the number of “how many high contrast modes” seems to play a considerable role when ordering an electronic magnifier. But how do they work actually?
According to the user feedback through 4 years, black on white and black on yellow together with their reverse colors are in the most common choices of low vision people. More than 20 high contrast colors are provided by some brands, which, however, might not be that useful. It is suggested to choose the unit with best cost-effectiveness according to consumer’s actual visual preference of high contrast color mode if facing the choices between two magnifiers with similar functions but different color modes and prices.
Misconception NO.5: The Longer Battery Life is, The Longer It Can be Used
Battery life is one of the key points that affects use when people choose portable or any other electronic magnifier on the go. Literally this judgement is right; yet it would lead to an unsatisfactory continuous use time if battery life was the only consideration. Actually duration depends on application methods, screen brightness, using frequency and battery status. A device with power saving function (e.g. standby mode, power save mode after minutes, etc.) may extend the time and perform better than one without power saving even when featured with longer battery life. A spare battery can extend the battery life of your unit. One with good battery life (3 h or longer), power saving setting and a second removable, rechargeable battery would be an ideal choice for all day long use.
