Episode 9

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Published on:

7th Mar 2026

Episode 9: What Magnification Apps Can Help Me Read Again?

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Episode 9: What Magnification Apps Can Help Me Read Again?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational / App Guide

Episode Summary

Dawn shares her three favorite magnification apps that help people with low vision read small print. She explains why these apps work best for spot reading tasks like medicine bottles, prices at the store, and restaurant menus. Dawn walks through how to use her favorite app, Visor, and shares practical tips for success including proper camera distance (about 4-6inches), using a reading stand, and the importance of practice.

Dawn's Recommended Magnification Apps

  1. Visor (Dawn's Favorite) — Free on Android, ~$18 one-time fee on iPhone
  2. HW Explorer — Free on Android and iPhone
  3. Supervision Plus Magnifier — Free on Android and iPhone
  4. We Zoom Magnifier — Popular on Android phones

Best Uses for Magnification Apps (Spot Reading)

  1. Medicine bottles
  2. Prices and labels at the store
  3. Restaurant menus (especially in dark lighting)
  4. Labels and cans

Note: These apps don't work great for reading books because the phone screens are a small field of view for extended reading tasks.

Why Dawn Loves the Visor App

  1. Simple, easy-to-use controls
  2. Plus button (center) — Magnifies in 3 different sizes
  3. Mode button (blue/black) — Changes contrast colors
  4. Sun button (red) — Turns on flashlight

How to Get Started

  1. Download the app — Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone)
  2. Play with the controls — Magnification, color/contrast, flashlight
  3. Hold camera at correct distance — About 4-6 inches from the material
  4. Line up camera with material — Practice aligning what you want to read
  5. Practice, practice, practice!

Tips for Success

  1. Use a reading stand — Holds material so you're hands free to operate the apps
  2. Start with simple materials — Soup cans, envelopes, medicine bottles
  3. Add the app to your toolbar — Makes it easier to find on your home screen
  4. Use voice commands — "Hey Siri, open Visor" or "Hey Google, open Visor"
  5. Ask for help downloading — Family or friends can help with setup

Things to Consider

  1. Learning takes time — like riding a bike, don't get frustrated
  2. Camera focuses at about 4-6 inches — print won't be clear at wrong distance
  3. Research shows apps help, but only when properly taught and practiced
  4. Also great for anyone over 40 with presbyopia who forgets their reading glasses!

Apps Mentioned

  1. Visor (V-I-S-O-R)
  2. HW Explorer
  3. Supervision Plus Magnifier
  4. We Zoom Magnifier (Android)

Resources

  1. YouTube — Search "Living with Vision Loss Dawn Ciccarone" to see app demonstrations
  2. Questions about apps or to share your favorite app, email dawnmciccarone@gmail.com

Coming in the Next Episode

Dawn's favorite text-to-speech app: Seeing AI

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: magnification apps, low vision apps, Visor app, HW Explorer, Supervision Plus, magnifier app iPhone, magnifier app Android, reading with low vision, spot reading, enlarge print app, low vision technology, presbyopia reading help

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.