Tech You Can Actually See
Every setting, every trick, every tool to make your devices easier to see.
Built for macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and just plain aging eyes. No jargon. No assumptions. Start wherever makes sense.
Start with your device
Pick the thing you use most. Every option below opens a full step-by-step walkthrough.
Tools beyond the built-in settings
These apps and pieces of hardware go further than anything built into your phone or computer.
Magnifying & reading apps
Seeing AI (Apple)
Free Microsoft app that reads text, describes scenes, identifies money, and reads product barcodes — all with your phone's camera.
Best for: iPhone and iPad users with any level of vision loss.
App StoreSupersense
AI-powered reader that speaks out text from anything your camera sees — labels, signs, mail.
Best for: Android or iPhone users who want a one-tap reader.
Supersense siteEnvision AI
Reads text in 60+ languages, identifies objects and faces, and can describe scenes in front of you.
Best for: People who want the most feature-rich reader.
Envision siteGoogle Lookout
Google's free Android app that reads text and describes your surroundings out loud.
Best for: Android users who want a free alternative to Seeing AI.
Play StoreScreen readers
JAWS (Windows)
The most powerful Windows screen reader. Full-featured, but expensive.
Best for: Power users who use computers all day and need best-in-class support.
JAWS siteNVDA (Windows)
Free, open-source, and nearly as good as JAWS. Works right out of the box.
Best for: Anyone on Windows who wants a great screen reader for $0.
NVDA downloadVoiceOver (Mac and iOS)
Built into every Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Turn it on with Command + F5 or Settings → Accessibility.
Best for: Apple users — no install, no cost.
TalkBack (Android)
Google's screen reader built into every Android phone.
Best for: Android users.
Electronic magnifiers & smart glasses
Explore 5
Handheld electronic magnifier with a bright screen. Lets you snap a photo and zoom in.
Best for: People who read a lot of paper — mail, recipes, medication bottles.
HumanWare siteOptelec Traveller
Portable electronic magnifier with a tilting screen. Great for restaurants and events.
Best for: People on the go who still want more magnification than a phone.
Optelec siteClearView One
Desktop video magnifier (a CCTV). Sit a book or paper under the camera and read it huge on a built-in screen.
Best for: Anyone who reads mail, books, or photos daily at home.
Envision Glasses
Smart glasses that read text aloud, describe scenes, and recognize faces as you look around.
Best for: Hands-free users who want their assistant to come with them.
Envision siteOrCam Read
Handheld camera you point at printed text — it reads out loud instantly.
Best for: People who want a simple, single-purpose reader with no phone.
OrCam siteVisual help on demand
Be My Eyes (free)
Free app that connects you to a sighted volunteer via video call. They help you read, identify things, or navigate. Always free.
Best for: Everyone — this is one of the most helpful free apps ever made.
Be My Eyes siteAira
Professional visual interpreter — trained agents help over video call. Higher quality than volunteer, with a subscription.
Best for: People who need reliable professional help on a schedule.
Aira siteLighting & your space
Tech settings matter, but the room around you matters too. Small changes here often do more than any screen setting.
Warm white over cool blue
A 2700-3000K warm-white bulb is easier on aging eyes than cool daylight (5000K+). Most older adults find warm light less glaring and more comfortable for reading.
500 lux for reading
Older eyes need about 3 times more light than younger eyes to read comfortably. Aim for 500 lux at the page — a dedicated reading lamp makes a big difference.
Kill the glare
Position screens and reading lamps so light does not bounce directly into your eyes. Matte screen protectors, curtains, and anti-glare lamp shades all help.
Light the task, not the room
Instead of one bright ceiling light, use a small lamp near where you're reading or working. This reduces eye strain and keeps pupils happy.
Screen brightness should match the room
A dim screen in a bright room is hard on the eyes. A bright screen in a dark room is also hard. Match them — or use Auto-Brightness.
Organization helpers
A few setup choices up front save hours of squinting later.
iOS Control Center → Magnifier shortcut
Add Magnifier to Control Center so you can swipe down and tap to magnify anything in 1 second.
Color-coded folders + tactile stickers
Put a bright sticker (bumpy dot, foam shape) on the case of each device — red for phone, green for tablet, blue for remote. Feel, do not look.
Night Shift / Night Light on a schedule
iOS: Settings → Display & Brightness → Night Shift. Windows: Settings → System → Display → Night light. Schedule it from sunset to sunrise for warmer tones after dark.
Voice-first home
Put an Alexa, Google Nest, or Siri HomePod in your most-used room. Ask it to set timers, read the news, and call family — zero screen time required.
Match your eye condition
Different conditions benefit from different settings. Tap the one that sounds like your situation for a tailored plan.
Free services & organizations
These groups offer free audiobooks, training, classes, and visual help. They are all legitimate nonprofits or government programs.
National Library Service for the Blind
Free audiobooks and Braille books mailed to your door. Run by the Library of Congress.
Visit websiteBookshare
Over 1 million books in large print, audio, and Braille — free for qualified users.
Visit websiteLearning Ally
Audiobooks for people with print disabilities. Free membership for qualifying students; low-cost for adults.
Visit websiteHadley
Free online classes for people with vision loss and their families. Daily living, tech, and emotional support.
Visit websiteAmerican Printing House (APH)
Large print, Braille materials, and low-cost adaptive tools. Many services free for eligible users.
Visit websiteBe My Eyes
Free app that connects you to a sighted volunteer via video call for instant help.
Visit websiteAira — free minutes
Professional visual help by video. The first 5 minutes are free in thousands of public places (airports, Target, Walgreens, and more).
Visit websiteInsurance & Medicare
Low-vision care is covered more than people realize. Here is what you can ask about.
Medicare Part B — Low Vision evaluation
If you have a doctor's order, Medicare Part B covers a low-vision evaluation from a qualified ophthalmologist or optometrist. You usually pay 20% after your deductible.
Medicare — rehabilitation training
Orientation and mobility training and vision rehabilitation therapy may be covered as outpatient therapy when prescribed by a doctor.
VA benefits for veterans
The VA Blind Rehabilitation Service offers assessments, training, and sometimes hardware at no cost to eligible veterans. Call 1-877-222-8387.
State Commission for the Blind
Every state has a commission or agency for the blind and visually impaired. They can connect you to free training, job support, and sometimes equipment.
CCTV magnifier coverage
Electronic magnifiers are rarely covered by Medicare, but some private insurance, vocational rehab programs, and state agencies do cover them. Ask.
A note on benefits
Helping a family member with vision loss
If you're the one helping a parent, spouse, or friend, these are the setups that save everyone time and frustration.
Register your face with Be My Eyes
Install Be My Eyes on BOTH phones and add yourself as a helper. Now your family member can ring you directly instead of a stranger.
Shared iCloud Photos album
Create a shared album called "Mail to read" or "Labels". Your loved one snaps a photo; you see it instantly and can read it to them.
FaceTime for on-the-spot help
FaceTime has a special accessibility mode — if your family member holds their phone up, you can see what they're seeing and talk them through it.
TeamViewer or Apple Remote Desktop
Free remote-support apps let you see their screen from your own computer. Perfect for fixing email, banking, or Wi-Fi without driving over.
Set up a 3-person group text
You, your loved one, and one other helper. Photos and questions go into the group so whoever is free answers first.
Print the Quick-Fix Cheat Sheet
One page. Extra-large print. The top 5 low-vision settings for iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. Keep it by your TV or desk.
Questions people ask
Straight answers to the most common low-vision tech questions.