We have the Synergy, If you have the time!

For a number of years due to the generosity of donors, manufacturers and suppliers we have been lucky enough to be able to show the visually impaired people of Oxfordshire an expanding range of CCTV Electronic Magnifiers. These are a cunning combination of a camera and a screen with some rather cute electronic jiggery pokery, which allows you to change magnification levels, choose the colours of text, background and images, and all of this with automatic focussing. Well I am pleased to be able to let you know that our range just expanded a bit more with the very welcome addition of a device called the Smartview Synergy, a high quality desktop video magnifier at a lower price than similar models currently on the market. The SmartView Synergy magnifies text, objects and images which could help restore and maintain independence for people with low vision eye conditions.

It has large, simple controls which enable quick and easy adaptation to different print sizes and print qualities, and a large magnification range. The 19 inch version, costing only £1,200, provides from 2.6 to 57 times magnification and the 22 inch widescreen 3.1 to 69 times magnification.

It has multiple display modes. The full colour mode is best suited to looking at photographs and images. When reading, increasing the contrast makes the text easier to read. The SmartView Synergy has a number of high contrast modes which remove shades to leave just crisp, clear text. View pure black text on a white background or white text on a black background and 16 other colour combinations. It has an easy-glide reading table which can also be fixed in position at a touch of a button.

To find out more or book an appointment contact OAB on 01865 725595.

Pause for reflection

Just a few words to let you know that we now have a small range of magnifying mirrors of varying strengths here at OAB that may help people who have sufficient residual vision with what I have been told is called “everyday grooming”. Things such as eyebrow tweezing, applying make-up, skincare, shaving and putting in contact lenses, though presumably not all at the same time! I have had a look at a couple of these magnifying mirrors and as one who hasn’t really been able to see myself close up for 30 years, was suitably impressed, or should that be depressed?

If you would like more information or to book an appointment to come in and have a close up look, just call Sarah or David here at Oxfordshire Association for the Blind on 01865 7255 95 .