Lecture 18 - Non optical and sensory LVA’s

Question 1

Types of non-optical aids

Answer 1

• Communication
• Daily living
• Smart phones/digital technology/apps
• Mobility/traveling

Question 2

What do non-optical aids do?

Answer 2

1. Make best use of residual vision
2. Sensory substitution
   • Ease use of optical aid
   • Increase visibility of task
   • Safety modifications
   • Assistance for Px with physical infirmities

Question 3

Daily living aids:

Answer 3

• Self threading needles
• Liquid level indicators
• Talking microwaves/kettles
• Talking watches etc
• Large number telephones, microwaves etc
• ‘Bump ons’ or ‘Hi marks’
• Coloured stickers and buttons

Question 4

Reading aids:

Answer 4

Reading
• large print books, bank statements & bills, clocks/watches/telephones
• Talking; books, watches, clocks, newspapers
• Typoscopes- for cheques, reading or writing
• Reading stands or copy holders

Question 5

Writing aids:

Answer 5

Writing
• Felt tip pens - black or dark blue
• Yellow paper
• Lined paper
• Writing frames

Question 6

Braille:

Answer 6

Braille
• Developed in 1824
• 3x2 pattern of 6 dots
• 63 characters, 26 letters + contractions st, ch etc and punctuation
• 2 levels: grade 1: each word is spelt out, Grade 2:
approved contractions
• ~ 20% of patients who are registered blind can use Braille
• Can be generated by computer-keyboard screen

Disadvantages:
- Thick paper with raised dots → thick & bulky books
- Not good for elderly due to loss of sensitivity in finger tips

Question 7

Moon:

Answer 7

• Developed in 1847 by Dr W Moon
• Devised with the aim of training patients who previously had sight
• Curves & lines more approximate to letters
• Not used much (<1000 users in the UK)

Question 8

Smart phones/technology/apps available:

Answer 8

• Screen magnification software
• Apparently for object recognition
• Apps for navigation

Question 9

Screen magnification software

Answer 9

• BigShot
• ZoomText & ZoomText magnifier/reader
• Magnum 95/Deluxe
• GTX32
• Galileo

Question 10

Apps for object recognition

Answer 10

• Tap Tap See
• Aipoly Vision App
• Colourdetect

Question 11

Apps for navigation

Answer 11

• Blind Square
• AroundMe
• Near me
• Nearby Explorer

Question 12

Mobility aids:

Answer 12

These mainly include:
• Canes & sticks
• Electronic aids (e.g. ultrasound, sonar)
• GPS systems
• Talking signs
• Built environment
• Dogs & sighted guides (people)

Question 13

Four types of canes:

Answer 13

• Symbol cane
• White walking stick
• Long cane
• Guide cane

Question 14

Symbol cane

Answer 14

• lightweight, folding cane
• indicates that the user is visually impaired.

Question 15

White walking cane

Answer 15

• as symbol cane but aids support

Question 16

Long cane

Answer 16

• most common type of cane
• developed by an ophthalmologist who treated war veterans in America following WWII.
• made of light-weight aluminium, usually about chest height
• extensive training (~ 150 hrs) required to learn the correct technique.
• The cane is held at an angle of ~ 30° and swung in an arc to the left as the right foot goes forward. At the end of travel it touches the ground before swinging the opposite way.
• some models have a roller on the tip.

Question 17

Guide cane

Answer 17

• shorter and stronger than the long cane
• back up for those with residual vision

Question 18

Trailing:

Answer 18

• Trailing is a technique that can help locate a door, walk in a straight line, or detect the position of objects in front of the Px on the same side of his body as their extended arm. It can provide useful information about everyday objects, obstacles, and potential hazards that they may encounter as they move about their home.
• It is used in familiar environment only and involves moving close to the wall with the knuckles against the wall (fingers cupped). The other hand can be held in front to detect obstacles.

Question 19

Electronic aids for mobility:

Answer 19

• Ultra-cane
- Long cane with ultrasonic sensor
• Miniguide/Palmsonar
- Hand held, secondary aid
• Bat ‘K’ Sonar-Cane
- Clip on ultrasonic sensor
• Laser cane
- 3 beams to cover ground, waist & up
• Sonic Pathfinder
- Head mounted, secondary aid

Question 20

Global positioning systems: (GPS)

Answer 20

• Offer voice description of surrounding area and points of interest. Braille displays for hearing impaired also available