Low Vision Devices Product Directory

Special Promotion

Higher Power Optical Spectacles Higher add spectacles to assist people with early stages of vision loss. Ideal for assisting people with reading computer use and general independence. Uses: Reading, computer and general vision Price: $300 approx Support Needs: Low

Patient: Early stage vision loss Power: N/A Training Needs: Low

Suppliers: European Eyewear (Page 48), Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52)

Bioptic Telescope Ideal for focus viewing of distant objects like bus numbers and signs, spectator, theatre and television viewing. Greatly enhances independent living skills. Uses: Television, distant signs, spectator Price: $900 approx Support Needs: Low

Patient: Everyone with low vision Power: N/A Training Needs: Low

Suppliers: European Eyewear (Page 48), Quantum (Page 50)

Lighting Lighting produced in a specific colour temperature of light that enables the patient to experience enhanced contrast without causing them to experience glare. These are intended for all who suffer some loss of vision due to ageing. Patient: Age related vision loss Price: $100 – $300 Power: Batteries, Rechargeable batteries, Mains Support Needs: Low Training Needs: Low Suppliers: European Eyewear (Page 48), Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Australian Independence Products (Page 46), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

Cut-off Filters Absorptive filters are designed to improve contrast and reduce intra-ocular glare, thereby assisting patients with low vision. Available in clip-on, fit-over. Tinting of patient’s own lenses is also available. Uses: Patients experiencing glare disability Price: $80-$130 Support Needs: Low

Patient: Early stage vision loss Power: N/A Training Needs: Low

Suppliers: Aviva Optical (Page 46), European Eyewear (Page 48), Vision Australia (Page 52)

Hand Held Optical Starting point for majority of people with Low Vision. Highly portable. Typical progression involves using options of increasing strength as vision deteriorates. As magnification increases useful reading area decreases. Uses: Object identification. Spot reading Price: $50 - $200 approx Support Needs: Low

Patient: Early stage vision loss Power: N/A Training Needs: Low

Suppliers: European Eyewear (Page 48), Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Aviva Optical (Page 46), Pacific Vision (Page 52),

Hand Held Illuminated Provide improved usability in hand held optical magnifiers as source material is illuminated. Bright and soft light options are available. Battery powered units are portable though heavier than non-illuminated. Mains power restricts use away from home. Uses: Object identification. Reading Power: Batteries, Mains

Patient: Early stage vision loss Support Needs: Low

Price: $100 - $350 approx Training Needs: Low

Suppliers: European Eyewear (Page 48), Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Australian Independence Products (Page 46), Aviva Optical (Page 46), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

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Low Vision Devices Product Directory Illuminated Stand Magnifiers Used in conjunction with hand held magnifiers for extended reading and other activities such as crosswords. Low magnification only. Uses: Reading. Writing. Manipulate objects Price: $200 - $400 approx Support Needs: Low

Patient: Early stage vision loss Power: Batteries, Mains Training Needs: Low

Suppliers: European Eyewear (Page 48), Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Australian Independence Products (Page 46), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

Hand Held Electronic Electronic magnification provides distortion-free viewing plus the ability to change background and foreground colours (glare reduction). Uses: Object identification. Reading Price: $500 - $1100 approx Support Needs: Low

Patient: Anyone with low vision who has used a hand held optical device Power: Batteries, Rechargeable batteries Training Needs: Medium

Suppliers: European Eyewear (Page 48), Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Australian Independence Products (Page 46), Humanware (Page 47), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

Hand Held Electronic Distance The ability to capture distant images and magnify greatly assists mobility. Also used in education for capturing whiteboards. Able to scan whole page and enable scrolling around page after image captured. Uses: Distance Viewing. Whole Page Scanning Price: $4,000 approx Support Needs: Medium

Patient: Students, Active Seniors Power: Rechargeable batteries Training Needs: High

Suppliers: Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

Computer Connectable - Optical Camera Camera on flexible arm. High flexibility for near and distance viewing and very high magnification level. Images can be captured and stored on PC for later use. Magnified and enhanced images are displayed on the computer screen. Uses: Study, craftwork, distance viewing Price: $4,000 - $5,000 approx Support Needs: Low

Patient: Students, Seniors with a computer Power: USB, Batteries Training Needs: Medium

Suppliers: Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Australian Independence Products (Page 46), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

Computer Connectable - Digital Camera Use of digital camera enables text to be captured quickly, and converted to large print and speech on PC. Words are highlighted as they are spoken. Speech files can be saved and used on MP3 type devices. Uses: Magnify text and convert to speech Price: $2,000 - $5,000 approx Support Needs: Medium

Patient: Students, Seniors with a computer Power: USB Training Needs: High

Suppliers: Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Humanware (Page 47), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

Desktop Electronic Magnifier By far the most commonly used aid for reading, writing, and handicrafts. Various options available for screen sizes, reading modes, non-reflective screens and high definition. Greatly enhances independent living skills. Uses: Low Vision workhorse Price: $3,000 - $6,000 approx Support Needs: Low



Patient: Everyone with low vision Power: Mains Training Needs: Low

Suppliers: Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Humanware (Page 47), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

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Special Promotion

Desktop Electronic Magnifier PC Offers the same basic design and functionality as regular desktop units with additional flexibility of connecting to a PC (use one screen for both). Split screen options facilitate study and employment opportunities. Uses: Home, office, study Price: $4,000 approx Support Needs: Low



Patient: Everyone with low vision Power: Mains Training Needs: Medium

Suppliers: Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Humanware (Page 47), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

Magnifier/Speech to Text Software for PC Provides access to computing and Internet for all low vision users. Provides functionality well above that of standard accessibility features of PCs. Uses: Access to PC Price: Free - $700 approx Support Needs: Medium

Patient: Everyone with low vision Power: N/A Training Needs: High

Suppliers: Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Australian Independence Products (Page 46), Humanware (Page 47), Pacific Vision (Page 52)

Daily Living Aids Daily living aids provide practical solutions to daily living and working environments and can include large button phones and keyboards, talking watches and scales, liquid level indicators and tactile markers, non-slip trays, food plate surrounds to prevent spills, coin sorters to make coins easier to find, money organisers with separate sleeves for different notes and much more. Uses: Multiple Power: Varies per item

Patient: Everyone with low vision Support Needs: Low

Price: Varies per item Training Needs: Varies per item

Suppliers: Quantum (Page 50), Vision Australia (Page 52), Aviva Optical (Page 46)

National Service Directory Low Vision Service Providers Australian Capital Territory Canberra Blind Society Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Vision Australia

TE LE H O N E W E B S ITE

EMAIL

02 6247 4580 02 6285 2988 1300 847 466

www.users.tpg.com.au/canblind www.guidedogs.com.au www.visionaustralia.org

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

1800 804 805 1300 847 466 1800 111 709

www.guidedogs.com.au www.visionaustralia.org www.mdfoundation.com.au

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

1800 810 122 07 3848 8888 1300 847 466

www.guidedogsqld.com.au www.qba.asn.au www.visionaustralia.org

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

08 8232 4777 08 8203 8333

www.rsb.org.au www.guidedogs.org.au

[email protected] [email protected]

New South Wales Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Vision Australia Macular Degeneration Foundation

Queensland Guide Dogs Queensland Queensland Blind Association Vision Australia

South Australia The Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) SA Guide Dogs Association of SA / NT

Tasmania Royal Guide Dogs Tasmania Lions Low Vision Clinic

03 6232 1222 www.guidedogstas.com.au 03 6222 8310

[email protected] [email protected]

03 9854 4444 1300 847 466 03 9654 1331

www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au www.visionaustralia.org www.emlowvision.com.au

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

08 9311 8202

www.guidedogswa.com.au

[email protected]

08 8995 2222

www.guidedogs.org.au

[email protected]

Victoria Guide Dogs Victoria Vision Australia East Melbourne Optometry and Low Vision Centre

Western Australia Association for the Blind of Guide Dogs WA

Northern Territory Guide Dogs Association of SA/NT

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Low Vision Device Suppliers Australian Independence Products Products Lighting, Hand Held Illuminated, Hand Held Electronic, Computer Connectable - Optical Camera, Illuminated Stand Magnifiers, Magnifier/Speech to Text Software for PC. Profile Australian Independence Products is a local manufacturer and importer of technology. Most of our products help people with low vision or blindness. We have been in business since 1997. Our business owner and product designer is John Gaeth. John previously worked at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. We work with people to give them independence. In some cases this means that we make world-unique equipment. Local manufacture means extremely affordable products. We have a 100 per cent Australian labour content. We carry spare parts even for equipment we made 16 years ago. Leading our low-vision products are full-featured large-screen CCTVs. In the middle of the range are a personal-care CCTV and an ultra-affordable CCTV (single- and twin-camera versions). At the low end is the pocket CCTV and some optical magnifiers. Speech-enabled products start with text-to-speech readers. We also make speaking telephone switchboard enunciators, industrial scales, exercise equipment and a piano course! A current project is a talking vernier caliper. We modify computers for speech access. Our audio computer lessons cover topics from the absolute basics to browsing the Internet. We offer personal delivery for larger or more complex equipment, and generous trial intervals. Contact Details A: P.O. Box 1007, Mitcham North, VIC 3132 P: 03 9946 5459 E: [email protected] W: www.ozindproducts.com.au

Aviva Optical Products Cut-off Filters, Hand Held Optical, Hand Held Illuminated, Daily Living Aids. Profile Aviva Optical has been servicing the Australian optical industry for 30 years with a large range of low vision products including magnifiers and low vision filters. Supplying directly to optical stores, our economical low vision magnifiers range includes, Illuminated, Hand Held, Page magnifiers and many specialty magnifiers. Available exclusively through Aviva Optical is the Allblax range of high powered low vision magnifiers with styles featuring LED Illumination and distortion free Aspheric lenses. Lifestyle devices such as speaking bathroom and kitchen scales are available for visually impaired patients. Aviva Optical also offers a selection of Low Vision Contrast enhancing filters designed specifically for the low vision patient. Cocoons OveRx (over prescription) frames and Clip-Ons are available in four non-polarised lens tints (Hazelnut, Boysenberry, Lemon and Orange) with various levels of light transmission to enhance visual acuity and object clarity. Contact Details A: 5-7 Glassford Road, Kewdale, WA, 6105 P: 08 9353 2814 W: www.avivaoptical.com.au E: [email protected]

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Low Vision Device Suppliers European Eyewear Products Higher Power Optical Spectacles, Bioptic Telescope, Lighting, Cut-off Filters, Hand Held Optical, Hand Held Illuminated, Hand Held Electronic, Illuminated Stand Magnifiers. Profile Founded in 1972 by Graham and Bev Sheil, European Eyewear has been the Australian agents for Eschenbach Optik Nurnberg, since the inception of the company. This association between the two companies, has resulted in European Eyewear having been the prime supplier of low vision aids to the optometric professions for the past 40 years, and supplying Eschenbach eyewear for the past 25 years. Eschenbach is the world’s number one supplier of magnification for the visually impaired, Germany’s number one supplier of eyewear. Although, the two companies are independently owned, European Eyewear and Eschenbach co-operate in all aspects of low vision prescribing. This includes product developments, distribution and education. For example, European Eyewear sponsors the annual Low Vision Seminar that is part of the Tasmanian A.O.O. state conference. European Eyewear also lectures to undergraduates (UNSW, Latrobe University) and post graduates (optometric State Conferences, Low Vision NZ, World Optometric Conference) as well as exhibiting at optical trade exhibitions and at exhibitions organised by Vision Australia and Guide Dogs. Product developments that have been joint efforts between European Eyewear and Eschenbach include the marking of magnifiers with common specifications to take the guesswork out of prescribing magnification, and the development of low vision trial cases and magnification starter kits for optometric practices. Recent developments at Eschenbach include the development and production of lenses which are a hybrid of aspheric and diffractive surfaces. No other company in the world produces lenses by this method. However, this has enabled Eschenbach to produce high powered lenses with greater diameters than has been previously possible. For example, in the MOBILUX L.E.D. series, there is a +16 diopter lens measuring 75 x 50 mm; and in the POWERLUX L.E.D. series of stand Illuminated magnifiers, there is a +28 diopter lens with a diameter of 58 mm. Much of Eschenbach's recent research has utilised new developments in L.E.D. illumination and supporting electronics in the form of step-up converters. This has enabled Eschenbach to provide illuminated magnifying aids that give an enormous enhancement of contrast. Kelvin ratings as high as 8000 kelvins have been achieved, and the experience of many patients has been they have been able to attain their desired level of aided acuity, at a lower magnification than has previously been possible. Eschenbach also produce illuminated magnifiers at colour temperature of light that will eliminate glare. European Eyewear also stock the Daylight range of low vision lamps. These fulfil the important function of providing independent illumination at a colour temperature that gives a good enhancement of contrast while diminishing the likelihood of giving glare. Eschenbach is currently working with the European Polaroid company to produce a new generation of digital camera, and also to produce a new series of electronic magnification. These will become available during the coming year. European Eyewear continues to participate in developing new forms of magnification and illumination for the visually impaired, to participate in education and to act as a reference for all aspects of supply of low vision aids to the optometric professions. Contact Details A: 29/111 Lewis Road, Knoxfield 3180 P: 03 8805 1555 Toll Free 1800 818 221 (NZ: +64 09 849 3415) W: www.mivision.com.au/directory/european-eyewear-pty-ltd/ E: [email protected]

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Low Vision Device Suppliers Quantum Technology Products Higher Power Optical Spectacles, Bioptic Telescope, Hand Held Optical, Hand Held Illuminated, Hand Held Electronic, Hand Held Electronic Distance, Computer Connectable - Optical Camera, Computer Connectable – Digital Camera, Desktop Electronic Magnifier, Desktop Electronic Magnifier PC, Illuminated Stand Magnifiers, Magnifier/Speech to Text Software for PC, Daily Living Aids. Profile Since the early 1980s Quantum has been providing services and products to people who have a print disability (Low Vision, Blindness and Learning Disability). We have grown to be the largest supplier of Assistive Technology in Australia through a dedication to finding the right solution for every individual, and providing the support and training services needed to make them successful. Quantum supplies Assistive Technology solutions to the education, corporate and government sectors, as well as to the growing population of older Australians who are losing their vision due to conditions such as Macular Degeneration. The growth of our business has been achieved largely through recommendations and referrals from satisfied clients. Here is how we can help: • Awareness. Our Low Vision consultants provide education and information sessions for community groups, seniors clubs, schools and employers. • Assessment. Finding the right solution requires listening to and understanding the goals and needs of each person. Thirty years of experience has shown us that assessment is the vital first step. • Products. Quantum draws on suppliers from around the world to provide the widest choice of Assistive Technology products in Australia, from simple hand held optical magnifiers to the latest high-tech reading machines and video magnifiers. • Support and Training. How successful any Assistive Technology product is depends on the level of support and training provided. Quantum provides in-home training, in-home warranties, and on-going support long after an item is purchased. • Home Trials. Quantum introduced home trials of assistive technology in Australia and is committed to continuing this vital practice. Discovering the benefits of any product in the comfort of your home, at your own pace, helps ensure the product is optimum for your needs. • E xperience. Our Low Vision consultants in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland have over 160 years of experience between them in low vision and the optical industry. Our focus is not just on the products, but on all the factors that lead to living successfully with Low Vision. Quantum is an approved supplier to the Department of Veterans Affairs and works collaboratively with all blindness and low vision agencies around Australia. Quantum is partnering with optometrists and primary eye care professionals around Australia. Contact us to find out how together we can offer enhanced levels of service to your patients. Contact Details A: 1/2 Pioneer Avenue, Thornleigh, NSW 2120 P: 02 9479 3100 W: www.quantumrlv.com.au E: [email protected]

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Low Vision Device Suppliers Pacific Vision International Products Lighting, Hand Held Optical, Hand Held Illuminated, Hand Held Electronic, Hand Held Electronic Distance, Computer Connectable – Optical Camera, Computer Connectable - Digital Camera, Desktop Electronic Magnifier, Desktop Electronic Magnifier PC, Illuminated Stand Magnifiers, Magnifier/Speech to Text Software for PC. Profile Pacific Vision International has a range of equipment designed to assist members of our community who have low vision. Many of our products can be used individually, however, there are also a number of products designed to interact with each other. Pacific Vision’s product range varies from traditional Handheld Magnifiers and Electronic Handheld magnifiers through to large desk top units. The Topaz desktop video magnifier works in conjunction with GEM software, to switch between a desk top magnifier and a personal computer or laptop, with the click of a button. It makes easy reading of a wide variety of printed materials and utilises one screen, maximising desk space. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) cameras also link to the PC, giving speech output when magnification is no longer an option. As mobility becomes less of an issue for sight impaired citizens, the issue around portability of equipment increases. The MagniLink Student Addition assists with overcoming this problem. It combines a portable CCTV with a sturdy reading and distance camera, and weighs only 900grams. More information on our large range of products can be obtained by contacting Pacific Vision. Contact Details Australia A: Unit 10, 168-170 Christmas St, Fairfield, Vic, 3078 P: 1800 859 594 (Vic), 1800 987 959 (NSW), 1800 770 388 (SA), 1800 778 038 (QLD) W: www.pacificvision.com.au E: [email protected] New Zealand A: Unit 25, New Park Estate, 105 Bamford St, Woolston, Christchurch, 8023 P: 03 376 5071

Vision Australia, Equipment Solutions Products Higher Power Optical Spectacles, Lighting, Cut-off Filters, Hand Held Optical, Hand Held Illuminated, Hand Held Electronic, Hand Held Electronic Distance, Computer Connectable - Optical Camera, Computer Connectable - Digital Camera, Desktop Electronic Magnifier, Desktop Electronic Magnifier PC, Illuminated Stand Magnifiers, Magnifier/Speech to Text Software for PC, Daily Living Aids. Profile Vision Australia works in partnership with Australians who have low vision to help them live their lives as independently as they want to. But independence covers a huge range of options. For a young child independence might be about achieving confidence in mobility and personal skills and meeting age-appropriate benchmarks. For an adult in education or employment faced with vision loss through accident or illness, independence is something to be regained through orientation and mobility training and assistive technology. And for an elderly person, independence might be about feeling confident about continuing to live in their own home, being able to safely make a cup of tea or walk to the local shops. Services are available to anyone who finds their best corrected visual acuity is limiting their everyday activities, or who has a deteriorating eye condition. Our individualised services are complemented by a diverse range of assistive products that can help with reading, writing, computer access and around the home. We can supply, provide advice, information, support and training to make the right equipment solution easy when it comes to low vision. Products we supply include optical and electronic magnifiers for distance and near viewing, task lamps, big button phones, easy see watches and more. Contact Details A: 4 Mitchell Street, Enfield, NSW, 2136 P: 1300 84 74 66 W: www.visionaustralia.org E: [email protected]

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