As the holidays grow near, it might be tempting to go to your favorite online retailer to buy your loved one with low vision a magnifier as a gift. But when buying online, you don’t always get what you want or need. While online retailers may be convenient, they are no substitute for going to an actual storefront to buy a magnifier from someone who is trained and knowledgeable. Shopping at the Sharper Vision Store can help ensure that you make an informed purchase.
Buying a magnifier online comes with a lot of pitfalls that you probably won’t notice until you’ve already made your purchase. Online stores are filled with magnifiers claiming to be 10x, 20x or even 30x that look to be the same size as a 3x magnifier. Greater power requires a smaller lens, meaning that a real 30x magnifier is going to be significantly smaller than a 3x magnifier—more like a jeweler’s loupe. Because of lax oversight on these online retail platforms, companies will sell magnifiers that are much less powerful than they claim to be. You never really know what level of magnification you are purchasing.
“While you might see high-powered magnifiers online, you really can’t trust the strength they claim to be,” says Amy Wurf, Education and Vision Services Director at the Council. “We don’t want families and clients to spend money on something that will just be frustrating to use.”
Most magnifiers you find at places like craft stores may be a lower power than you may need. Government regulations allow only certain types of retailers, like the Sharper Vision Store or low vision clinics, to sell magnifiers suitable for people with low vision. Because low vision clinics that are part of medical establishments often have higher overhead costs, magnifiers are usually more affordable at the Sharper Vision Store.
It’s important to get good advice on how much power will benefit you the most. Higher magnification does not necessarily mean it will make it easier to read. The higher the magnification you use, the closer the device needs to be to your eyes to get the text into focus. For something like a 20x magnifier, you will need to have it only an inch or two in front of your eye and you will only be able to see one or two words. Often, a lower-powered device will be more useful than a higher-powered device.
In order to get the most out of your magnifier, it’s important to have a low vision evaluation by a certified low vision specialist. They can help you find exactly which magnification is correct for your needs. No need to buy five different devices to find the one that works best for you. In addition, if you schedule a low vision evaluation with the Council, you can then get a guided tour of our Sharper Vision Store to find the perfect tools for your needs.
This holiday season, we encourage you to resist the temptation to get your loved one with low vision a magnifier as a gift. Instead, consider talking with them about making them an appointment with the Council for a low vision evaluation followed by a stop in the Sharper Vision Store. This will ensure that they won’t be receiving a gift that will just frustrate them, and ensure that you are spending your money wisely. You can learn more about scheduling a low vision evaluation on our website at WCBlind.org/Vision-Services, or you can give us a call at 608-255-1166.
