Electronic magnifiers began showing up at Vision Optical Shows about a decade ago. These devices can scan text and send an enlarged image to a screen, giving many people with severe vision loss the ability to read again. However, these devices typically are extremely costly. A unit designed to attach to Personal Computers easily cost $2,000.00 while portable units with screen attached could exceed $3K.

Recently, Bierly has introcuced a more affordable Video Magnifier to the marketplace. While sustaining the quality of its predecessors, it is actually easier to use. This is because a mouse-like device which scans the printed material attached via simple connection to a standard TV set. No software downloads or computers are required. If you can operate a VCR or DVD player, you can operate this Video Magnifier.

Prescription labels, food labels, books and newspapers can be magnified and impressive 13X or 24X, depending on the model. Also, they can display images in color or black and white. Remarkably, the retail price starts at $199.95, as sold at online optical retailer Debby Burk Optical at http://www.DebSpecs.com

Though severe vision loss from problems such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy often can't be helped, the Bierly Video Magnifier does offer hope. The average Low Vision Aid reading glasses come in strengths from +4.00 to +6.00 Even the strongest reading glasses, at 12X, are way out performed by the Video Magnifier, which comes in 13X or 24X powers.

A key advantage of electic magnifier devices is the large field of view. By the laws of physics, the stronger a hand held magnifier is made, the smaller the lens is. For example, most hand helds that multiply objects 14X are only about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The Video Magnifier, on the other hand, can display these magnified images on a TV screen up to 17 inches! This can be very useful, especially for people who see better in their periphery than center, such as occurs in macular degeneration.