Fiber-optic Reading Magnifiers for Visually Impaired

Prototypes of an improved form of fiber-optic magnifier will be produced for use as low visionaids. These will be based on the use of fiber optic tapers having a magnification in the range of 2 to 4xand a field of coverage of the object space (such as a printed page) of up to 25 mm in diameter. Theresearch will include the study of the salient optical and physical parameters to obtain cost-effective,useful-magnifiers. At present, the cost of fiber optic tapers of the size required for useful low visionmagnifiers is typically over $1,000. This study will be directed to developing the taper specifications,design and manufacturing methods to produce tapers of useful size and performance for a cost of lessthan $200 in Phase I. The target for the final product is to reduce the cost to $50. The Phase Iresearch will include the design and prototype of various fiber optic magnifiers, the verification ofmanufacturing methods and an analysis of the performance cost trade-offs. Phase II will produce aseries of tapered fiber optic reading magnifiers, and test their performance acceptance with low-visionpatients.