How to choose an optical magnifier
Optical Magnifiers
Advantages:
– Very lightweight
– Portable – in handbag or pocket
– Simple technology
– Familiar to older people
– Reasonably cheap
Disadvantages:
– Not very strong magnification; 3x – 12x
– Field of view decreases as magnification increases, meaning fewer words can be seen at higher magnification
– At higher magnification the magnifier and object need to be held close to the face. Not easy for some people.
– Curving and distortion at edges
– Poor contrast
– High glare
Electronic Magnifiers – Hand Held
Advantages:
– Variable magnification levels
– Increased field of view
– No distortion
– Range of display options to reduce glare or increase contrast
Disadvantages:
– More expensive
However, the most important thing you need to do is try them out. Everybody is unique and what suits your friend or neighbour will not necessarily suit you. Here is a simulation of reading a newspaper using an optical magnifier and an electronic magnifier.