CCTV Low-Vision Magnifier Systems Available for Temporary Loan

The Woodbury Lions Club has three CCTV low-vision magnifier systems available for temporary loan to Woodbury residents.

CCTV readers use a video camera to scan printed material and display it on a monitor. The printed material is placed flat on a table about five-inches under the camera lens. The system allows the the size of the image on the display to be adjusted to a comfortable level, in some cases, up to 70 times the original size. The display can also be easily changed to provide different contrast levels, black text on a white background, or white on black. The table can be moved to allow the camera to "see" different parts of the printed page.

The CCTV readers are intended for people who are suffering from low-vision, which is generally defined as a loss of vision that impedes daily life, even with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. Common causes of low-vision are diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Irreversible loss of vision is most common among people over the age of 65.

The Woodbury Lions received their first donation of a CCTV reader in early 2012. The unit was nearly immediately loaned to , until he could acquire one of his own.

After several newspapers ran the story, two more units were donated to the Lions. All three are now available as a short-term loan to Woodbury residents who are suffering from low-vision and are in the process of getting a CCTV reader of their own.

Woodbury residents who are interested in borrowing one of the readers can contact Lion Bill Barthelmess, Co-Chairman of the Woodbury Lions Sight and Hearing Committee at 203-263-5228.