Magnifiers: Making objects larger and clearer

One big advantage of optical magnifiers is that many are portablem and lightweight. There are pocket-sized ones available, as well as ones that you can fold.

To use an optical magnifier, simply place it the optimal distance from your eye and the object. If your magnifier features LED lighting, you can toggle this on when needed with a switch. You don’t need to spend time powering up the device, navigating menus and adjusting settings.

Optical magnifiers are the more affordable option. If you attend a Low Vision Assessment through the Low Vision Clinic, a practitioner can assess you, and may be able to provide you with an optical magnifier that best meets your needs free of charge, depending on the set-up in your area.

Magnifiers with LED functionality are slightly more expensive than those without, but they’re all still much cheaper than video ones.

Optical magnifiers offer a fixed level of magnification. They’re available in different strengths, however you can’t alter the strength of a magnifier.

This is why it’s important, when finding the best one for you, to consider factors including your level of vision, what you want to use the magnifier for, and when and where you’ll be using it. A low vision practitioner can support with working out the most suitable magnification level for you as part of your low vision assessment.

If your vision fluctuates, or you want to be able to quickly and easily adjust the magnification level, an optical magnifier may not be the best option.

While many optical magnifiers feature built-in LED lighting and some come with attachable colour filters, which improve contrast and make objects clearer to see, they don’t offer as many options for contrast, colour and brightness adjustment that video magnifiers do. Also, colour filters have to be manually attached , which can be tricky.

Mastering the technique is crucial to be able to use an optical magnifier most effectively. It can take practice. Optical magnifiers purely magnify what’s in their field of view. There aren’t options to freeze the output, or scroll along to focus on specific aspects.

The biggest advantage of video magnifiers over optical ones is the ability to adjust the magnification level. The range of magnification levels will depend on the size of the magnifier itself, as some have bigger screens than others, but they all have a range of magnification levels you can select. There are also other options such as being able to freeze the image, and scroll around without moving the magnifier itself, so you can focus on what you need to without having to ensure you’ve mastered the perfect technique.

On top of that, some video magnifiers feature two cameras: one for close-up magnification, and one for distance viewing. This offers even greater flexibility, allowing you to effectively magnify objects no matter how far away.

Video magnifiers don’t just enlarge objects. They enable you to adjust the output in other ways making it easier to see. Many feature options to adjust colours to improve contrast. They feature pre-set options, as well as the ability to customise colours to your specific needs.

While some optical magnifiers come with colour filters, these aren’t as wide-ranging as the options available on video magnifiers. Additionally, adjusting settings on a video magnifier is a much simpler process than inserting or changing a colour filter on an optical one.

Video magnifiers give you flexibility over how you view what you’re magnifying. Many feature ports such as an HDMI port so you can display the output onto another screen. This gives you the option to see the output on a screen larger than the one built into the magnifier.

Similarly, you can capture and save images, and transfer them to another device such as a computer via USB, to view without the need to use the magnifier.

Video magnifiers require a connection to a power source or a charged battery in order to function. Most have a limited battery life, and a rather long charge time, so you have to ensure you factor this in, especially if you’re planning to use it while out and about. You could always have a portable power bank on hand, so you can charge it on the go, but this isn’t always convenient.

While some optical magnifiers need batteries for LED lights to function, the lens does not require power, so you can still magnify objects. Video magnifiers need power for all functions to work.

Video magnifiers are significantly more expensive than optical ones. The price will depend on exactly which model you buy. Factors affecting price include available features, components, and screen size. The more feature-rich and bigger the device, the more expensive.

You may be able to fund a video magnifier through a scheme like Access To Work or Disabled Students’ Allowance, depending on your circumstances, but cost is definitely worth bearing in mind when choosing what’s most suitable for you.

While there are video magnifiers that are portable, due to their components, they are heavier than optical ones. This is worth thinking about, for example when considering the most appropriate way to transport it when out and about. Most also come with a carrying case, which you can use to protect it.