Episode 8

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Published on:

2nd Mar 2026

Episode 8: How Can Video Magnification Help You Read at Work, School & Home?

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Episode 8: How Can Video Magnification Help You Read at Work, School & Home?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational / Product Guide

Episode Summary

Dawn explains why video magnification is one of the most popular solutions for people with vision loss who want to read again at work, school, or home. Unlike optical magnifiers, video magnifiers let you adjust magnification daily (up to 60x), change contrast colors, and see more words on the screen without losing field of view. Dawn shares her three favorite portable video magnifiers and discusses cost considerations and funding options.

Why Video Magnification Is Popular

  1. Adjust magnification daily
  2. Change contrast to the color you see best
  3. See more words on the screen — magnify without losing field of view

Dawn's Three Favorite Video Magnifiers

1. Ruby XL HD (Freedom Scientific)

  1. Tilt screen — lay flat on paper or switch to handle for medicine bottles
  2. Multiple contrast modes, adjustable magnification
  3. Great portable option for work; smaller screen limits high magnification

2. Explore 12 (Humanware)

  1. Simple controls: orange button for contrast, +/- buttons for size
  2. Larger screen = more words visible at high magnification
  3. Optional stand for writing under the camera

3. Clover Book Pro

  1. Lightweight, portable with both near and distance cameras
  2. Distance camera sees presentations, whiteboards, teacher's face
  3. Ideal for classroom or office meeting settings

Things to Consider

  1. Match the device to your goals - Video magnification is like shoe shopping. Find the right fit.
  2. Try before you buy — Evaluations typically last 1–1.5 hours
  3. Cost — Devices range from $900–$3,000; not covered by insurance

Funding Options

  1. Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (state agency)
  2. Lions Club
  3. Church organizations
  4. Your employer (workplace accommodations)
  5. Your school (student accommodations)

Brands Mentioned

  1. Freedom Scientific
  2. Humanware
  3. Optelec
  4. Low Vision International

Resources

Questions or for information about the Clover Book Pro email dawnmciccarone@gmail.com

YouTube - Search Living with Vision Loss Dawn Ciccarone to view devices

Questions about purchasing video magnification devices from Freedom Scientific, Humanware, Optelec or Low Vision International email Nick Peterson at visability.nick@gmail.com

About Your Host

Dawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist and Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently.

Connect & Subscribe

Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast. Contact Dawn on LinkedIn with questions or dawnmciccarone@gmail.com

Keywords: video magnification, video magnifier, CCTV for low vision, Ruby XL HD, Explore 12, Clover Book Pro, Freedom Scientific, Humanware, portable video magnifier, low vision at work, low vision at school, magnifier with contrast, distance camera magnifier

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician or low vision specialist before making treatment decisions.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2026| Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

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About the Podcast

Living with Vision Loss
Helping people with low vision live more independently
I'm Dawn Ciccarone, a certified low vision therapist and occupational therapist, and I created Living with Vision Loss to share something that changed my life: hope.
For over 20 years, I've worked with patients who come to me after hearing nothing but "your vision won't get better." They've been struggling—some for 5 years, some for 20—not knowing that low vision therapy exists or that there are tools, apps, and techniques that can help them read again, regain independence, and live fuller lives.
What is low vision? It's vision that can't be corrected by glasses, surgery, or medication due to conditions affecting the retina—macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and many others. But here's what most people don't know: you can learn to function with the vision you have.
On this channel, I answer the questions my patients ask me every day:

How do I read a book if I'm blind or have low vision?
What devices and apps can help me?
How do I adapt my environment?
What professionals can help me?
How do I maintain independence?

Whether you're a person with vision loss, a family member or caregiver, or a healthcare professional looking to learn more about low vision rehabilitation, this channel is for you. I break down complex topics into practical, actionable information—because no one should struggle in isolation when help is available.
My credentials include certification as a Low Vision Therapist and years of experience as an occupational therapist specializing in vision rehabilitation. I teach at an optometry school, lead technology support groups, and work with patients of all ages—from young people with genetic conditions to older adults with age-related vision loss.
Let's learn how to live with vision loss together.