CONTENTS Ergonomic Low Vision Telescope Grip Provides a steady and convenient grip for one-handed operation of popular low-vision telescopes. This device consists of an ergonomic hand-grip which can be added to the popular Walters and Specwell telescopes widely prescribed for low vision. The grip allows the user to hold the telescope firmly using three or four fingers, and if desired perform the focusing function with the thumb of the same hand. The grip is easily added to or removed from the telescope, and fits a wide range of telescopes and magnifications. The steadier grip provided by this device allows the use of a higher powered telescope without jitter, than is otherwise the case. In addition, the possibility of one-handed operation leaves the user's other hand free for a cane, handbag, or walker. The response has been enthusiastic. Availability This device is commercially available from S. Walters, Inc. of Los Angeles. Telephone 1-800-9WALTER for local distributors. It is also available from the LS&S Group in Northbrook, IL, telephone 1-800-468-4789, and Maxi Aids, 1-800-522-6294. Provides portable, high-intensity lighting for persons with low vision. This head-mounted portable lighting system uses a high-intensity quartz halogen MR 11 or MR 16 bulb, employing a precision dichroic reflector to provide a high-intensity beam which covers approximately the area of a page at normal reading distance. The system is mounted on the user's head and utilizes a 12-volt rechargeable nickel cadmium battery pack which can be worn on a belt. This lighting system can provide approximately 1,000 candelas per meter squared (five to ten times normal ambient room lighting) at normal reading distances, thus providing a very useful increment in available light for the low vision user in reading and other near tasks in which freedom of movement is desired. The combination of available light output and battery life far exceeds that of the commonly available commercial head-mounted lights which contain the bulb and battery in a single unit. Availability The system is available from our RERC labs, on a prototype basis at cost. Inquiries from interested manufacturers are welcome. Provides rapid visual screening of infants and young children. The Pediatric Vision Screener is a modified Polaroid camera-based photorefraction system which allows rapid and efficient vision screening of infants during routine well-baby checkup visits. The device consists of a modified Polaroid Spectra camera in which the flash placement is moved into close proximity with the lens axis and a flashing LED is placed on the camera to attract the baby's attention. The pediatrician uses the camera to take a picture of the patient's face. The resultant picture contains a controlled form of the "red-eye" effect due to the flash, accomplished in a way that allows instant determination of the refractive states of the eyes and the presence of other defects such as misalignment and congenital cataracts. The advantage of the new system is that it is unique in allowing rapid and simple evaluation of vision in patients who would normally not receive any thorough eye examination. The device allows instant detection of serious abnormalities such as anisometropia and media opacities which can lead to blindness in one or both eyes if not detected and corrected at an early age. It is therefore ideally suited to use in pediatric offices as well as in vision screening in remote areas with a dearth of specialized medical personnel. Availability The Vision Screener is in use in six treatment sites within the Kaiser hospital system. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Anthony Norcia of Smith-Kettlewell, amn@skivs.ski.org, telephone (415) 561-1729. Provides a convenient illumination source for persons with low vision who read using high-power spectacle adds. For those who read using high power (+20 to +40 diopter) spectacle lenses resulting in a reading distance of approximately one to two inches, it is difficult to provide adequate illumination on the reading material due to the occlusion of light sources by the head and reading matter. This device uses a small one- to two-watt light bulb and reflector which clip onto the user's spectacles, to provide greatly boosted illumination on objects held within a few inches of the spectacle lens. A separate battery pack can be conveniently carried on the user's belt or in a handbag. Since the clip-on light can be easily attached and removed as needed, it offers a high degree of convenience for the user, and solves a long-standing problem for individuals who use the high-powered spectacle add reading method. The battery can be conveniently clipped to the user's belt or carried in a pocket or handbag, so it can be concealed when not in use. Readily available, low-cost batteries are utilized for easy and convenient replacement. The high efficiency Krypton bulb provides a very significant boost in lighting level for reading tasks. Availability Prototypes can be made available from our RERC labs for evaluation. Inquiries from interested manufacturers are welcome. Tests vision under low light, low contrast conditions without special equipment. Elderly persons most often report difficulties in visual task performance under low light, low contrast conditions -- and loss of vision under these conditions is an early indicator of visual impairments. The Smith-Kettlewell Institute Low Luminance (SKILL) test is an inexpensive near acuity card with black letters on a dark gray background to simulate low luminance conditions using normal office lighting. On the obverse side is a black-on-white version of the test: the score is taken as the number of lines of acuity lost between the high and low contrast sides. The SKILL Card, being a simple acuity-based test, fits into the clinician's existing testing routine with no need for expensive equipment, wall space, or special lighting. Preliminary data show that test scores correlate with reading and driving performance and with early retinal pathology. Other applications of the SKILL Card are being explored by numerous researchers and practitioners around the world. In summary, the SKILL Card provides an easy, inexpensive, rapid test of "real world" visual function in poor conditions (i.e., low luminance and low contrast). Availability The SKILL Card is available from Smith-Kettlewell. To reimburse us for the costs of producing and shipping the card(s), please remit a check for $50.00 per card payable to Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, and send to the address below to the attention of Linda Washington. (Note: Additional shipping charges will apply for locations outside the USA). The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute.
SECTION V.
PEDIATRIC AND LOW VISION TECHNOLOGY
Head-Mounted, Battery-Powered Lighting System
Pediatric Vision Screener
Spectacle Clip-On Illuminator
SKILL Card ERGONOMIC LOW VISION TELESCOPE GRIP
HEAD-MOUNTED, BATTERY-POWERED LIGHTING SYSTEM
PEDIATRIC VISION SCREENER
SPECTACLE CLIP-ON ILLUMINATOR
THE SKILL CARD
2318 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
Email: skill@ski.org
phone: (415) 345-2000
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