Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Episode 6: How Can I Magnify Print for Reading? Size Magnification on iPhones & iPads

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational / How-To

Duration: ~5:43 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dawn begins answering the most common question she hears: How can I read again? She explains that the answer depends on multiple factors including acuity (print size), contrast (colors you can see), visual field (how much of the picture you can see), and your reading goals. Dawn covers size magnification options including iPads, large print books, and how to adjust font size and use the Zoom feature on your iPhone or iPad. She also introduces the concept of critical print size and explains why magnification always involves a trade-off with field of view.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. The factors that determine which reading solution is right for you
2. How reading devices are selected based on acuity, visual field, contrast, and goals
3. Why iPads are excellent for reading with low vision
4. How to increase font size on your iPhone or iPad
5. How to use the Zoom feature (double tap with three fingers)
6. What critical print size means and why it matters
7. How dark mode can help reduce glare
8. The trade-off between magnification and field of view

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

Factors That Determine Your Reading Solution

Selecting the right device depends on:

1. Acuity – What print size can you see?
2. Contrast – What colors can you see?
3. Visual Field – How much of the picture can you see? Are parts of letters missing?
4. Reading Goals – What do you want to read? (books, prices at the store, mail, etc.)
5. Environment – Where do you want to read? (at home, at the store, on the go)
6. Legal Blindness Status – If you...

Organizations Helping People with Vision Loss

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) for advocacy, support, and resources

AFB mission: Expand pathways to leadership, education, technology, and career opportunities to create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

Website: https://afb.org/

Phone: 212-502-7600

Email: connectcenter@aph.org

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Baltimore, MD

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is an organization of blind people in the United States.

NFB Mission: The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more.

Website: https://nfb.org/

Phone: 410-659-9314

Email: nfb@nfb.org

Foundation for Fighting Blindness

Mission: Drive research toward preventions, treatments, and cures for blinding diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, and more.

Research Studies

Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School

Insitut de la Vision in Paris, France

Moorfields Eye Hospital, University College London

Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania

Website: https://www.fightingblindness.org/

Email: info@FightBlindness.org

Phone: (800) 683-5555

Connect On LinkedIn:

1. Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

How Do I Find Low Vision Optometrists & Rehabilitation Professionals in My Area?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational / Resource Guide

Duration: ~6 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dawn provides a step-by-step guide to finding low vision optometrists and rehabilitation professionals in your area. She shares specific websites and directories to locate a low vision optometrist, certified low vision therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and other vision rehabilitation professionals. Dawn also explains how to access rehabilitation services through the VA for veterans and through state agencies for non-veterans, with real examples from Pennsylvania.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. Two ways to find a low vision optometrist in your area
2. How to search the ACVREP directory for certified rehabilitation professionals
3. How veterans can access low vision rehabilitation through the VA
4. How non-veterans can find their state agency for low vision services
5. Why getting a low vision exam before rehabilitation services is essential

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

How to Find a Low Vision Optometrist

1. Vision Council Foundation – Low Vision Prescriber Network

Go to the website and enter your location:

https://thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/finder/low-vision/

1. American Optometric Association – Find a Doctor of Optometry

Enter your city, state, and zip code. Click "Special Emphasis" and scroll to select "Low Vision & Rehabilitation Vision":

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctor

How to Find Rehabilitation Professionals in Your State

Search the ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals) directory to find:

1. Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT)
2. Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS)
3. Certified