Optelec Offers Back-to-School Low Vision Tech & Eye Health Tips

Optelec US Inc. is committed to keeping those with low vision equipped with the latest optical aids, such as the Optelec FarView, and providing important eye health tips for the school year.

San Diego, CA  September 1, 2009 -- With summer vacation coming to an end, students and teachers throughout the country are gearing up for back-to-school season. Optelec US Inc., a worldwide market leader in providing innovative and life-changing assistive technologies for the blind and visually impaired, is committed to keeping those with low vision equipped with the latest optical aids, such as the Optelec FarView, and providing important eye health tips for the school year.

The Optelec FarView, a portable handheld video magnifier, serves as the perfect low vision solution for the active student or teacher. With a 4.3" reading screen and benefits of both distance and close-up viewing, students can access, store, review, and share information anytime in an ultra-compact and stylish design.

Those with low vision are able to view information on the white board, read text books or capture images; the Optelec FarView stored images and text can be magnified 2-42X and scrolled through for detailed viewing. As an added feature, it has a built-in seven megapixel camera with a storage capacity of up to 100 images.

"For many years it was like I was suddenly shut out of a world I had known all my life," stated Joan Slocum, an art teacher with low vision and Optelec customer. "But once I tried the handheld Optelec FarView, I could instantly see my paintings and my students much better. It is truly amazing. The FarView has changed how I live my life."

To help keep eyes healthy when hitting the curriculum, Optelec recommends the following tips:

Exercise and maintain a healthy nutritious diet: Studies show that eating foods high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Lutein, Zeaxathin and Bilbens leads to stronger eye health. Protect eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV ray protection. Check computer screens: Make sure the screen isn't too close, but also not too far away. Talk with an eye doctor to determine the best distance. Schedule an eye exam: Don't wait until a vision problem comes up. If someone suffers from visual impairment, there are assistive aids that can really make a difference. To research available products, ask a local doctor for recommendations and go to sites like www.Optelec.com and www.ShopLowVision.com.

Currently, more than 16 million Americans report some form of visual impairment. In addition, one in four school-age children have a vision problem significant enough to affect their learning.

Pricing & Availability
The Optelec FarView is now available through Optelec's dealer and distribution networks. Call 1 (800) 335-7970 or visit www.optelec.com for more information. MSPR: $1,495.

About Optelec US Inc.
Optelec was founded in 1985 and is recognized as the worldwide market leader in providing innovative solutions for the blind, visually impaired and learning disabled. In January 2007, Tieman U.S., Holding Company to Optelec US Inc., spun off ShopLowVision.com and LowVision.com as sister companies, providing the one-stop-shop for optical, non-optical and daily living aids, products, solutions and education for eye care professionals and consumers. Follow us at www.twitter.com/Optelec.

Media Contact:
Courtney Berg
BERKMAN
619.231.9977

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