CCTV

The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), also known as a Video Magnifier, is a highly effective and versatile device that magnifies images onto a screen, enabling people with low vision to reclaim their independence.

Find an amplify doctor near you

How does CCTV help people with Low Vision?

The CCTV system is a highly adaptable and customizable technological device that can greatly enhance the quality of life for people with low vision. CCTV is an electronic magnification technology which projects images on a monitor, making it easier for people with low vision to read for extended periods of time. There is a range of different kinds of Video Magnifiers, but what they all have in common is that they contain a camera that magnifies and projects images onto a screen.

This device is made to be user-friendly for both those who are comfortable with technology and also for people who are less accustomed to using digital devices. If you find that your vision challenges are preventing you from living the life you want, you can speak to your low vision eye doctor about the CCTV which was created to help you and your personal vision needs.

Who can benefit from using a CCTV?

Virtually anyone who finds that their vision is not up to par and is preventing them from accomplishing what they want to in their daily life, can benefit from the user-friendly magnification provided by the CCTV. Most people with low vision can find the CCTV to be very practical, making it one of the most commonly prescribed visual aids. It can benefit such a vast range of eye conditions which include, but are not limited to:

Cataract
Glaucoma
Age related macular degeneration
Diabetic retinopathy
Retinitis pigmentosa
Albinism
Retinal detachment
Stargardt’s disease
Visual field loss

What features do the Video Magnifiers Offer?

These devices allow the user to completely control the display’s focus, magnification, and other settings so that the real-time image displayed on the monitor can help you perform activities without a delay, such as reading, writing and other hands-on activities.

There are so many different kinds of CCTV devices that each have their own features, some of which include:

Range of magnification settings, some as high as 100X
Contrast enhancement
Various illumination settings
Black and white or color options
Split-screen monitors
Auto-focus camera
Fixed focus camera
High-resolution
Ability to read the text out loud
Easy to use tactile buttons and turn dials

What features do the Video Magnifiers Offer?

There is a wide range of CCTVs available, made by various companies. There are different types of Video Magnifiers, some are portable and others are stationary, as explained below.

Find an amplify doctor near you

Handheld CCTV Magnifiers

Handheld magnifiers are great for those who need vision assistance while on the move, whether it’s for activities around the house like reading recipes, playing cards, or looking at a computer screen. These smaller magnifiers tend to be somewhat cheaper than large desktop models. However, being handheld devices, you need steady and available hands to hold them and they need to be charged.

Stand Video Magnifiers

Some Video Magnifiers come with stands and there are different kinds available. Some CCTVs come with four legs so that it can be placed on a book without having to be held. There are other magnifiers that have a handle, but they don’t always need to be held as they can be placed on a page in order to support itself. When the CCTV has a stand, the stand is already set to be at the perfect working distance from the text which means that when you use it, you don’t have to adjust it. A Stand Video Magnifier is ideal for a person who does not have the stability of holding an object in a steady fashion due to limited motor skills which could be a result of a wide range of conditions, including Parkinsons.

Desktop CCTV Magnifier

Desktop CCTV magnifiers have several advantages over portable magnifiers, for people who need them for reading and other tasks while at home. In addition to being hands-free and not requiring charging, they are more powerful and also larger. This means that they can also magnify more text at a time. They are also adjustable so that you can properly position the device over the text or other objects you need magnified.

Protect Your vision with the Best - Find an Amplify EyeCare Specialist Today

Amplify EyeCare is a team of a passionate and experienced optometrists practicing eye care at the cutting edge of technology and vision science. We are growing with new locations coming across the US.

Visit a Low Vision eye center at an Amplify EyeCare practice near you:

Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita in Santa Clarita, California
Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach in Bellflower, California
Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga in Hixson, Tennessee
American Family Vision Clinic in Olympia, Washington

Common Questions

What is CCTV?

This is a sophisticated technology where images are projected from a camera to a screen, where the image can then be modified in size and clarity to aid those with low vision. There are a wide variety of CCTV devices on the market, ranging from small hand-held versions to large fixed-stand devices. More sophisticated devices may feature large screens, tools for stabilizing or grasping objects, and other modification options. A standard feature of all video magnifiers is their ability to read white letters on a black background or black letters on a white background.

Summary

CCTV magnifiers are a very effective tool that can enable low vision patients to regain their independence and accomplish the tasks that have become a struggle. If you are experiencing low vision and you want to find out more about Video Magnifiers, please reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit to schedule an appointment for a consultation.