Help for partially sighted friend

[Curlygirl06]

My friend is very limited visually and I'm trying to find an app or device that is easy to use to help her read labels etc. I am aware of the Orcam read device, but that is very expensive. Anyone got any suggestions please? Thanks.

There’s one called Seeing AI that might be useful

Seeing AI is a very good app - I think it’s made by Microsoft. It can read text such as labels and describe you surroundings.

Also the accessibility options in settings on Apple devices can be very good. The voice over one might be what you’re after.

Your council should also have a visual impairments officer who can assess your friend’s needs and provide appropriate devices to assist them.
There’s often a long wait but worth getting them referred.

There's also one called be my eyes which connects them instantly on a secure video call with volunteers around the world to help.

As an aside, anyone can volunteer for this and I'd highly recommend doing so

Lots of hospitals run a 'low vision clinic', which will offer appropriate devices if you think that might help her (but they won't necessarily suggest the most up to date ones due to cost). She would need a referral from someone allowed to do it, though.
DC2 has just been to the eye clinic due to wanting contact lenses appropriate to their disability and while they were there, they were asked if they wanted an appointment at the low vision clinic too.

@PurpleDragons

Seeing AI is a very good app - I think it’s made by Microsoft. It can read text such as labels and describe you surroundings.

Just had a look, thank you, but it's only for I phones unfortunately.

@Muchtoomuchtodo

Your council should also have a visual impairments officer who can assess your friend’s needs and provide appropriate devices to assist them. There’s often a long wait but worth getting them referred.

Funnily enough my daughter is one, also for deaf people as well. Unfortunately my friend is not keen on being referred, as she is 88 and very independent, bless her.

@Muchtoomuchtodo

Also the accessibility options in settings on Apple devices can be very good. The voice over one might be what you’re after.

Just having a look on my android phone to see if there's anything there that would work, thank you for that.

MIL is 93 with macular degeneration. She has various magnifying gadgets which I think she bought through RNIB. The large computer sized one was very expensive but it enables her to read her post and the daily newspaper - including doing the crossword, but the small portable handheld one is what she uses for reading labels etc.

Dm also now vi. She gets a reduced tv licence fee and has a number of gadgets including a reading device and a fill level cup indicator. The council person helped her put stickers on cooker controls so she can line up colours to set the oven temperature. She also has a magnifier installed on her computer and a kindle fire to read books to her. RNIB catalogue is pricier than many but they should qualify for not paying vat.

I also got her some Mighty Sight glasses which proved surprisingly useful despite only being £20.

@LIZS

I also got her some Mighty Sight glasses which proved surprisingly useful despite only being £20.

Thank you. I'll have a look at them.

This is the company we have used for gadgets, very speedy delivery
cobolt.co.uk/

Just an update for everyone. She had a demonstration with the Orcam read thing and she's decided to have a go with one. I'll report back on how she gets on, it might be helpful for people thinking of getting one.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

Hope it helps her. DM is hoping to access a demo of different magnifiers and readers.