Magnifiers for the Visually Impaired:
Included in this website page are the following sections. Magnifiers for the Visually Impaired. Magnification Options. Online Stores with Magnifiers and Magnification Software. Magnifier Apps. SightStand Smartphone Magnifier Stand. Optaro iPhone and iPad Magnifier Attachment. Computer Magnification Software. Video Magnifiers. End of list. Last Updated March 29th, 2026.
Magnifiers for the Visually Impaired:
There are many types of magnifiers including free apps, low cost handhelds, and powerful magnification options. The letter X following a number indicates the strength of the magnification. The bigger the number, the stronger the magnification. Consult a Low Vision Doctor or Low Vision Specialist to try out different magnifiers. When currently used magnification options are not effective enough, an individual should consider text-to-speech options.
Magnification Options:
Smartphone and tablet camera apps, magnifier apps, and magnification features.
Smartphone magnifier attachments.
Computer magnification software.
Low power magnifiers.
Handheld magnifiers.
Stand magnifiers.
Video magnifiers.
Desktop magnifiers.
Monoculars and binoculars.
Online Stores with Magnifiers and Magnification Software:
Magnifier Apps:
There are free magnifier apps available on Apple and Android devices. They offer low to medium power magnification.
Apple Magnifier Apps: Magnifier app. SuperVision mini app. HumanWare explorē Magnifier app. Seeing Assistant Magnifier app.
Android Magnifier Apps: weZoom app. SuperVision mini app. HumanWare explorē Magnifier app.
SightStand Smartphone Magnifier Stand:
A smartphone stand that magnetically sticks to the back of a smartphone to use the smartphone as a stand magnifier. Available from Maxiaids product code 300302 link. SightStand Information Google Doc link.
How to use the SightStand:
Place the SightStand on the back of the smartphone below the back cameras. Use the provided magnetic sticker if the smartphone or smartphone case does not have the magnetic feature.
Pull the two legs out.
Open a magnifier app. Examples include the Magnifier App (iPhone only) and the weZoom App (Android only).
Use the magnifier app handsfree.
How to use the Clip-On Focus Lens:
For smartphones that don’t focus with just the SightStand, users must attach the included clip-on focus lens.
Take both covers off of the lens and twist the lens clockwise into the clip. Open a magnifier app and test each of the back cameras to check which will be used by covering it with a finger or something similar.
The camera that when covered blocks the view is the one that the clip-on focus lens will go on. Lastly, squeeze open the clip-on focus lens and slide it on to the smartphone either from the top side or the left side.
The Three SightStand Positions:
The Stand Above Position. Open both legs as wide as they go. Lay the legs on a flat surface.
The Standing Position. Open both legs as wide as they go. Lay the bottom side of the SightStand on a flat surface with the legs behind it.
The Angled Position. Open both legs as wide as they go. Then push both legs together until they are touching. Then place the SightStand on its side on a flat surface.
Online Resources for Information About the SightStand:
Optaro iPhone and iPad Magnifier Attachment:
The Optaro is a video magnifier that connects to an iPhone or iPad using the Optaro app and provided 3.3x to 15x magnification.
Computer Magnification Software:
Mac Magnifier Feature.
Windows Magnifier Feature.
ZoomText.
Fusion which is a screen magnifier and screen reader.
SuperNova Magnifier.
SuperNova Magnifier with Speech.
SuperNova Magnifier & Screen Reader.
Video Magnifiers:
Video magnifiers are electronic devices that use a camera and a display screen to magnify. One example of a video magnifier is the Ruby video magnifier which magnifies up to 14x, is easy to learn how to use, and is less expensive than similar devices.