Visually Impaired Resource Guide Assistive Technology For Students With Low Vision Telescopes - Monoculars

Telescopes - Monoculars

There are many models of distance telescopes, some being hand held while others or spectacle-mounted. They are individually designed to meet the lifestyle needs of the student as well as their visual requirements.

Advantages of Telescopic Systems for Distance

• Useful aid for independent travel, television,. theatre, sporting events, boardwork in school, cathode ray tube (CRT) screens beyond intermediate (such as in airports)

Disadvantages of Telescopic Systems for Distance

• Reduced-field diameter in all powers
• Ring scotoma around head-borne bioptic telescopes
• Difficult to find objects and to focus rapidly
• Extra training required
• Hands not free if hand-held telescopes are used
• Often not successful for patients with constricted fields

A Low Vision Specialist should be involved in the assessment for and selection of a telescope or monocular lens. A qualified orientation and mobility instructor and or a vision teacher should provide a student with an indiviual instructional program in the use of this aid.

Return to Part 3 - Assistive Technology For Students With Low Vision ...