Use of technology in low vision rehabilitation
Reviewed by Claire Howard

This article is a review of the accessibility features available on tablets and smartphones for the visually impaired. It explains exactly what the accessibility features are, how to access them and how to use them as well as some useful ‘apps’ for people with low vision. It provides a comprehensive summary and explanation for a number of features that can be used to supplement low vision rehabilitation, along with more traditional devices such as magnifiers and close circuit televisions (CCTVs). Using smartphones and tablets in a patient’s low vision rehabilitation, in addition to traditional devices, can provide versatile options which may be less expensive as well as more socially acceptable. Some of the feature options that can be adjusted to suit a particular visual impairment include contrast, zoom, voice command and audio feedback options. Adjusting and reversing contrast is a simple yet often overlooked feature of smartphones and tablets for the enhancement of reading performance. This clinically useful review also provides a comparison between tablets, smartphones and E-reader devices in terms of price, comfort and size as well as features. 

Tablet and smartphone accessibility features in the low vision rehabilitation.
Irvine D, Zemke A, Pusateri G, et al.
NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY
2014;38(2):53-9.