(Electronic) Magnifier

A magnifier is an electronic visual aid that makes it easier for people with visual impairments to read and view text and objects. It consists of a camera that captures the text or image being read, and a monitor on which the image is displayed at a greatly magnified scale. The magnification can be adjusted to suit individual needs, often up to 60 times, and the contrast and colour can also be altered to cater for different visual requirements. The movable cross-table is particularly helpful, as it allows texts to be positioned precisely beneath the camera. Modern devices offer additional functions such as text-to-speech or the ability to save images. Magnifiers are used both in everyday home life and in schools and the workplace when conventional magnifying glasses are no longer sufficient. In Germany, they may be covered by health insurance under certain conditions if there is a medical indication. At Bielefeld University, a magnifier and other assistive devices for visually impaired students are available in the Louis Braille Room at the ZAB (UHG B1-243).