Head mounted video magnification devices for low vision rehabilitation: a comparison with existing technology

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Abstract
Contrary to early work suggesting that LVAs are often limited in their effectiveness,2 3 more recent studies indicate that low vision rehabilitation and the prescription of LVAs can offer considerable benefit to the visually impaired, with at least one device being used by between 80% and 91% of patients provided with an LVA.4-8 It is recognised, however, that some patients do not continue to use LVAs following their dispensing. While some users discontinue with an LVA because of a change in vision, research has shown that a patient’s age and the visual acuity achieved with devices are not predictive of their continued use.4 6 8 Some users discontinue using LVAs because of the ergonomics of the device, frustration with the optical limitations, or in some cases users obtain another device or solution to the problem.6 A recent survey of LVA use by US veterans6 revealed that these users would like to see a range of improvements in LVAs including a wider field of view, ability to see “greater detail”, automatic focus, a desire to see things nearer/further away, and additional image brightness. A much smaller percentage of this group of veterans also wanted the devices to be “less noticeable”. There are, therefore, limitations associated with conventional LVAs.