Print Comparisons
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated October 23, 2017
I use this environmental print comparison regularly to help team members understand the comparison between the acuity a student is able to visually access and how it relates to font sizes. Keep in mind that it is important to use the lowest font size a student is able to easily, accurately, and fluidly read for longer passages. Although a student may have a threshold for a smaller font, if they cannot read it with accuracy and fluency, it will not be an efficient font size for sustained reading.
Near Vision Snellen Test Chart
Jaeger |
M |
Acuity |
Print Size Comparison |
Example |
Value |
.4 |
20/20 |
3 pt font |
medicine bottle labels |
J1 |
.5 |
20/25 |
4 pt font |
mail order catalogs |
J2 |
.6 |
20/30 |
5 pt font |
small print Bible; footnotes |
J3 |
.8 |
20/40 |
6 pt font |
want ads; telephone directory |
J5 |
1.0 |
20/50 |
8 pt font |
small column newsprint |
J7 |
1.2 |
20/60 |
10 pt font |
paperback books; newsprint |
J10 |
1.3 |
20/65 |
12 pt font |
Grade 4-7 children's books |
- |
1.6 |
20/80 |
14 pt font |
Grade 1-3 children's books |
- |
2.0 |
20/100 |
16 pt font |
computer display type |
- |
2.15 |
20/108 |
18 pt font |
Pre-K/K Children's books |
J12 |
2.5 |
20/125 |
20 pt font |
Books for ages 7-8 |
J14 |
3.0 |
20/150 |
24 pt font |
Large Print Books |
J15 |
4.0 |
20/200 |
33 pt font |
Sub-headlines; children's books |
J16 |
8.0 |
20/400 |
66 pt font |
Newspaper headlines |
Functional Distance Acuity Approximations
Gross Sizes (Observable overall size of an item) |
Snellen Equivalent |
Minimum Sizes (separation, detail sizes) |
Snellen Equivalent |
3/8" |
20/20 |
1/16" |
20/20 |
7/16" |
20/25 |
. |
. |
1/2" |
20/30 |
1/8" |
20/30 |
3/4" |
20/40 |
3/16" |
20/40 |
1" |
20/60 |
1/4" |
20/60 |
1 1/2" |
20/80 |
5/16" |
20/80 |
1 3/4" |
20/100 |
7/16" |
20/100 |
2" |
20/120 |
1/2" |
20/120 |
2 7/16" |
20/140 |
9/16" |
20/140 |
2 3/4" |
20/160 |
11/16" |
20/160 |
3 1/4" |
20/180 |
. |
. |
3 1/2" |
20/200 |
13/16" |
20/200 |
4 1/4" |
20/225 |
. |
. |
5 1/4" |
20/300 |
15/16" |
20/300 |
6 3/4" |
20/350 |
1" |
20/350 |
7 1/8" |
20/400 |
1 3/16" |
20/400 |
10 1/2" |
20/600 |
1 1/2" |
20/600 |
12" |
20/700 |
1 5/8" |
20/700 |
Approximate Functional Vision Acuity
Distance from the student:
Size of Object |
2 feet |
4 feet |
6 feet |
8 feet |
20 feet |
1/4" |
20/200 |
20/100 |
20/67 |
20/50 |
20/20 |
1/2" |
20/400 |
20/200 |
20/133 |
20/100 |
20/40 |
3/4" |
20/600 |
20/300 |
20/200 |
20/150 |
20/60 |
1" |
20/800 |
20/400 |
20/267 |
20/200 |
20/80 |



Conducting a FVLMA Recorded Presentation
This presentation provides a walk-through of the process and steps of conducting a Functional Vision Evaluation and Learning/Reading Media Assessment. Key points include interpreting the eye report, materials to use in the assessment, conducting interviews and observations as well as strategies for direct assessment and writing a professional and thorough report that is informative to all audiences. Next steps are also covered including the importance of a low vision assessment, determining the need for additional assistive technology and implications for service.
Objectives:
- Effectively interpret eye reports
- Select appropriate materials for conducting the FVELMA
- Develop strategies for assessment,
- Write professional FVLMA reports that include key components
- Apply information gained to determine next steps
Includes:
- Recorded PowerPoint Show Presentation
- Transcript
- Presentation handout for note taking
- Printables & Links to Resources discussed in presentation
Request a Certificate of Completion
To receive a certificate of completion for 1 contact hour (1 CE hour credit), complete the short Conducting the FVLMA quiz on Google Forms and receive a score of at least 80%. Don't worry. If you don't pass, you can look over your notes or re-watch the presentation and retake the test! If you have any difficulty accessing the form, please contact me so we can troubleshoot!
System Requirements:
Presentations are recorded PowerPoint presentations. You must be able to access PowerPoint to view the PowerPoint presentation. Please note that the presentation pages are closed member pages available to individuals who have purchase access to the presentation.
*Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO.