Organization gives away technology to local kids with severe low vision

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Things are looking a lot better for some local kids in our area with severe low vision.

Sight Savers America donated electronic video magnifiers to five local children Monday. All five children have severe low vision that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or medical or surgical treatment.

The device magnifies objects up to 118 times. The magnifiers also work with mobile devices and come in a handheld version.

One local mom says the device allows her daughter to read and write better than before.

“I think it will be a lot more accessible to her to use at home for a lot of things. Recipes in the kitchen, homework in the living room, whatever,” said Bay County resident Laura Owens.

Staff with Sight Savers say the equipment normally costs around $2,500, and it’s not covered by insurance. They say along with this event they have now provided an electronic video magnifier to every child in need in Bay and Walton counties.

“It’s really a life-changing experience for them because it allows them to read and write,” said Sight Savers America President Jeff Haddox. “They can sit at the machine and read like you would sit at your computer from a normal distance for hours versus five or 10 minutes and having to stop all write for a long time.”

Sight Savers America says they plan to move throughout the rest of the state to help other children in need. The nonprofit organization says it’ll continue to return to our area to continue its work.

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