Optical Device Use

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 15, 2025
Many students with visual impairments will remain print readers and benefit from using a combination of optical and non-optical tools to access print across school, home, and community environments. The goal is to promote independence and efficiency in accessing standard print materials

​Role of the Low Vision Specialist & TVI

  • A Low Vision Specialist prescribes optical devices (e.g., magnifiers, monoculars, etc.).
  • The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI):
    • Assesses the student’s functional vision.
    • Teaches the student how to use and care for prescribed optical devices.
    • Determines appropriate non-optical tools to support access to print.

​Benefits of Optical Devices

  • Increase access to regular print materials (e.g., books, price tags, menus, game boards).
  • Support greater independence in and out of the classroom.
  • Prepare students for adulthood, where most print is not adapted.
  • Promote less restrictive access to learning and community settings.

​Instructional Strategies for TVIs

Instruction should be individualized based on the student’s needs, learning rate, and prescribed tools. Some students will need only brief instruction; others will require more structured and repeated practice.
Steps for Effective Instruction
  1. Device Preparation
    • Encourage students to retrieve and clean the device independently.
  2. Skill Development
    • Use the dominant eye.
    • Hold the device with a steady grip.
    • Stabilize reading material.
    • Determine and maintain the correct focal distance.
    • Adjust for clarity.
  3. Post-Use Routine
    • Encourage safe storage of the device when finished.
By providing a variety of tools to gain access to print materials, the teacher is applying the principle of filling a student's toolbox with a variety of tools."  Holbrook & Koenig, Foundations of Education 2nd Ed., Vol. II p. 181

​Building a Toolbox of Access Tools

Introducing both optical (e.g., magnifiers, monocular) and non-optical (e.g., bold line paper, task lighting, slant boards) tools helps the student:
  • Choose the right tool for the task.
  • Become more flexible and confident across environments.
  • Develop problem-solving skills to overcome visual barriers.

ECC Instruction

Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development
Alternative Communication
Emergent Literacy
​Access Print
​Access Environmental Print
Pre-Braille 
Braille Code
​​Braille Formatting
​Braillewriter​​Slate & Stylus​​Tactile Graphics​Nemeth Code​Access Classes​Abacus ​Organize​​Study Skills​Time Management​​​​Listening Skills
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Self Determination Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Sensory Input
​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​​​Auditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills​Optical Device Instruction​Tactual Efficiency​Tactile Readiness ​
Independent Living
Personal Care
Hygiene & GroomingPersonal HealthHousehold Skills
Shopping & Consumerism
  • Shopping
  • Grocery Stores
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Expiration Dates
Eating & Table MannersClothing IdentificationTelephone
  • Telephone Use
Food PreparationMoney & Budget
  • ​Money & Budget
  • Money Management
  • Receipts​
  • Payment Methods
  • Buying or Packing Lunch
  • Personal Belongings
  • Paying with Checks
  • Interpret a Warranty
  • School Fundraisers
  • Housing Decisions
  • Paying Bills
  • Vending Machine Purchase
Service Agencies
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​Safety
  • General Home Safety
  • Emergencies
  • Evacuations
  • Seeking Shelter
  • Accidents & First Aid
  • Internet Safety
  • Safety
  • Using Locks
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational
Job AwarenessMaintain Job
  • Address Employer Concerns
  • Maintain Employment
  • Following School Rules
  • Work Related Skills
  • Assuming Responsibilities