The Orcam MyReader and MyEye, now available in Ireland look to be remarkable break-throughs in assistive technology for people living with sight-loss.
The small device, with a camera and speaker built in, is 80 millimetres long and fixes to the arm on one side of a pair of glasses. The camera has a base unit which is placed discreetly in a pocket or on a belt and is easy to carry.
Simply pointing at text, for instance on a cereal box in a supermarket will prompt the MyEye to read the text through the small speaker which is attached to the camera unit.
The device can be used to read letters, newspapers and it will also recognise street signs. It’s battery is rechargeable, and can last for up to twelve hours, with up to five hours of continuous use.
The more advanced MyEye device also allows the wearer to ‘register’ faces and the device will say the name of faces it recognises when the wearer sees the same person again.
Orcam provide personalised training for buyers on how to use the unit and how best to integrate this remarkable technology in to daily life.
Both are now available to buy from the National Council for The Blind of Ireland or you can visit orcam.com for more information.
