What are bioptic telescopes? How do they help?

Bioptic telescopes are like miniature binoculars that help the visually impaired see more clearly.

They are attached to regular eyeglasses and can be prescribed for one or both eyes. Just like binoculars, they make images larger and hence easier to see. Users say that everything looks closer—which is exactly right, however the benefit is that it enables the user to see much further away. For example, if an individual can only see clearly to 5 feet away, a 4 power Ocutech bioptic will let them see 20 feet away!

They are ideal for individuals with reduced visual acuity (low vision) between 20/60 to 20/300 (6/18 to 6/90) and from disorders including; Macular Degeneration, Albinism, Stargardt’s Disease, Optic Atrophy, Nystagmus and many other visual conditions.

Bioptic telescopes are available in a range of powers and in two optical designs– Galilean and Keplerian. Generally Galilean telescopes are presribed in lower powers, while Keplerian designs are preferred for higher powers due to their wider field of view.  Learn more about Galilean and Keplerian telescopes.

    Image

    Why improve distance vision?

    Distance vision is an important social sense that allows us to make eye contact, read body language, and feel connected to the world around us. Loss of distance vision impacts independence and can make one feel isolated and depressed. Studies have shown that reduced distance vision can significantly impact quality of life.

    What activities can I do with bioptics?

    Ocutech Bioptics are especially helpful for seeing at a DISTANCE, for viewing television, movies and theater, seeing faces, signs, blackboards in school, shopping, and traveling. Ocutech wearers have even used their systems to hike, golf, bowl, paint, fish, drive tractors and mow the lawn. Most states in the U.S. and some countries will license eligible visually impaired individuals to drive while using a bioptic telescope.

    Bioptics are also useful for NEAR activities as well. By focusing or using reading attachments Ocutech bioptics can provide magnification at near and mid-range distances for activities including card and game playing, reading the computer and even playing music.

    • Boy eating popcorn and watching movie with bioptics
    • man at gallery using bioptics to look at photography
    • woman driving car
    • young boy playing flute and reading music

      Read more stories from Ocutech users or if you are already an Ocutech bioptic wearer, submit your own! 

      Read Stories from Ocutech Wearers

      What I love the most in this device is that I don’t need to use a hand-held magnifier or any other device to aid my reading because my VES-Sport has a wonderful feature that allows me to read/see distant objects as well as nearby ones like when reading notes and using computers or gadgets.Karina Fuentes