Blog
Optelec's Holiday Gift Giving Guide!
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving” - Mother Teresa. Looking for the perfect gift for friends and family? Give a gift that is meaningful, practical, and shows how much you care. For your loved ones with low vision, receiving a gift that gives them independence and gets them back to doing what they love is priceless.
Read more!Join Us for a Webinar on ClearView GO
Are you searching for a video magnifier? Do you need a portable solution that provides the functionality of a desktop device? Join us Thursday, December 10 at noon Eastern Time for a live webinar on the ClearView GO.
Read more!How Far We’ve Come – Advancements in Video Magnifiers
Since 1975, Optelec has been developing products and providing services to support an independent lifestyle. Mr. Tieman, an Optician in the Netherlands developed the first video magnifier for a customer who could no longer see by only using his glasses. This magnifier became so popular that the first series of video magnifiers were launched. In the 45 years since Mr. Tieman developed the first video magnifier, there have been great advancements in portability, functionality, and clarity.
Read more!Building an Inclusive and Accessible World
Building an inclusive and accessible community benefits not only persons with disabilities but the whole community. Accessibility is a fundamental right and enables persons with disabilities to have equal access to every facet of life, participate fully in the community, and live independently.
Read more!Frequently Asked Questions – Do I Really Need a Portable Video Magnifier?
If you have Low Vision or Macular Degeneration, a desktop video magnifier may feel like a lifesaver. Having the ability to read your mail, balance your checkbook, read a book, or follow a recipe without relying on friends and family allows you to retain your independence and continue engaging in your favorite activities. The benefits of a desktop video magnifier at home are immeasurable, but what about when you leave your house? Do you have a portable video magnifier that you can take out-and-about? Do you really need one?
Read more!Access and Engagement Survey – Continuing the Dialogue for Accessibility
Throughout the US and Canada more than 1,400 participants completed the Access and Engagement 1 Survey? This survey examined the impact of COVID-19 on the education of students with visual impairments, their families, teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs), and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists.
Read more!Safe Travels this Holiday Season!
Traditionally Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday travel season, which will last well through the end of the year. Airports, roads, and train stations may be filled with people hoping to spend time with loved ones they do not get to see often. Though there may be fewer travelers due to COVID-19 it is important to remember a few tips before making your travel plans.
Read more!Hope in Sight – Blindness Awareness Month
According to WHO, there are 285 million people who are visually impaired worldwide, of which 39 million are blind. Of these, 82% are over the age of 50, and cataracts account for the most common cause of blindness. World Sight Day, which falls on the second Thursday of October, and Blindness Awareness Month both focus on bringing awareness that 80% of the causes of blindness are preventable. Globally, more than 1 billion people cannot see well because they do not have access to glasses.
Read more!Celebrate White Cane Safety Day on October 15th
White Cane Safety Day began in 1964 when Congress adopted a joint resolution to not only designate October 15th as White Cane Safety Day but also recognize and celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or vision impaired and the white cane as a tool for independence. The white cane gives people who are blind the freedom to move throughout their day, getting from one place to another safely and independently.
Read more!Eye Safety Tips for Around the Home
Did you know there are roughly 2.5 million eye injuries that occur every year? Nearly half of these happen at home and 90% of eye injuries can be avoided by taking proper precautions. This year has seen a rise of eye injuries and blurry vision due to an increased use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Though the blurriness may not be a permanent impairment, it is important to irrigate your eyes immediately and thoroughly with warm water.
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