We offer a wide range of magnifiers, mostly for occasional or general-purpose use, plus some for precision work and others for low-vision needs.

If you wish to purchase a magnifier to help with a sight disability or a low-vision need we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified optical practitioner or one of the organisations listed below. Under no circumstances should you construe any content on this web site to be professional medical advice. We accept no liability for any claim arising in connection with this.

Whatever your requirement, you will need to know where, when and why you will be using a magnifier. Here are just a few common uses:

We have magnifiers which can assist you with any of these tasks. In order to help you make the right choice the following information may be of interest:

• The strength of a magnifier is sometimes referred to as its ‘power’ and is usually expressed as a multiple with the x (*times) sign. For example, a 2x magnifier doubles the size of an image. Sometimes the power is expressed in dioptres. To work out the magnifying strength divide the number of dioptres by 4 and add 1.

• As a general rule the larger the lens the less powerful it is. Magnifiers with large lenses are fine for a wide all-round view of a subject and where low magnification is sufficient. Use magnifiers with smaller lenses when high power is required – on precision or inspection work for instance.

• To maximise your field of view, hold the magnifier as close to the eye as possible and bring the subject closer to the lens until it is in focus. The field of view will decrease with more powerful, but smaller lenses.

• Consider using different magnifiers for different tasks.

• Keep lenses protected to avoid scratching them. Try not to touch the lens surface with fingers as this will create grease smears which causes blurring.

• Clean dusty lenses with a soft, clean cloth to remove dust. Clean greasy lenses with warm soapy water (simple magnifiers only: never do this with illuminated or telescopic devices).

• Work in natural light where possible. You should not work in your own shadow or have to view anything against the light. Consider using adjustable lamps and special daylight bulbs to help control the quality and amount of light falling onto a task. If necessary take specialist advice on this to achieve a result you are happy with.

• Do not leave magnifiers where they might be exposed to the suns rays (e.g on window sills, outside) because this could cause a fire.

If you are visually impaired or suffer from a low vision disability you may be able to get a suitable magnifier free on loan through the NHS/Hospital Eye Service. Such arrangements vary from area to area: contact the RNIB Helpline (0303 123 9999) or your local health authority or eye specialist to get more information. Even if you do have to buy a low vision aid you may have the opportunity to try one out at home first.

Achromatic

Lens that eliminates chromatic aberration

Aplanatic

Lens that corrects for spherical aberration and coma

Chromatic Aberration

Inability of a lens to focus light of different colors at a point

Coma

Blurry appearance around an object viewed through uncorrected lens

Corrected

Lens system that corrects for distortions and aberrations to produce a sharp image

Spherical Aberration

Lens defect that produces an image that lacks contrast

RNIB Helpline, Northminster House, Northminster, Peterborough, PE1 1YN - tel. 0303 123 9999.

The Partially Sighted Society, 1 Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, DN2 6AA - tel. 01302 965195.

Macular Society, PO Box 1870, Andover, SP10 9AD - tel. 0300 3030 111.

Glaucoma UK, Woodcote House, 15 Highpoint Business Village, Henwood, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8DH - tel. 01233 648170.

Disabled Living Foundation, Unit 1, 34 Chatfield Road, Wandsworth, London, SW11 3SE - tel. 0207 289 6111.

There are many local societies for visually impaired people some of which provide low vision advice. For the address of your nearest society, please contact the RNIB at the above number.

The RNIB offers a range of books in audio, braille and large print, plus several handy booklets and leaflets on eye conditions and living with sight loss.

The 'In Touch Handbook' is a very detailed publication with useful information on all aspects of visual impairment and the services available. Contact your local library to see if it is still available.