'Better Vision' app can support visually impaired and dyslectic people

Feb 6 2013

To support visually impaired and dyslectic people in their efforts to read, the 'Better Vision' app has been developed: a functional and handy all-in-one  app that magnifies text and reads English, German, Spanish or Dutch text out loud on iPhones, iPads (mini) and Android devices. The app can also light up text and enhance contrast; useful for reading the paper, a menu, street names, and bus numbers or for recognising items in the supermarket. The 'Better Vision' app can also be used to help those who need reading glasses.

App replaces reading support aids

Due to functions such as magnifying, reading out loud, lighting up and enhancing contrast, the app can replace electronic or optically magnifying aids such as screen, telescope or handheld magnifiers and magnifying glasses. Aids that, in many countries, represent a purchase price of between 25 and 1200 euros (depending on the circumstances per country).

Characteristics of the Better Vision app

• Between 2 to 10 times magnification of the image
• Reading lamp (if the iPhone 4, iPad3 or Android 2.2 has a light function)
• Reading out loud of English, German, Spanish or Dutch text
• Contrast enhancing colour filters: choice of 6 different colors (positive/negative contrast)

The app can be purchased for € 5,45 euro /$ 5,99 and is suitable for iOS 5+ (specifically for iPad 3 and iPhone 4 and newer models) and for Android 2.2 (phones and tablets) and newer versions. The functionalities described above only work if the device has a camera function.

How many people worldwide have dyslexia or a visual impairment

About 135 million people worldwide have a visual impairment and 700 million people are dyslectic. Visual impairment (low vision) means vision that cannot be corrected by normal glasses, contact lenses, medical treatment or an operation and that the impairment hinders daily activities.