Special Articles : Visual Impairments and Sensory Aids

We have also become interested in some of the recommendations of Jack Ralph'', a low vision advocate, who has recommended the development of typographical standards for publications to facilitate reading by persons with low vision . In direct response to Mr. Ralph's recommendations, we have increased the type size of this issue of the Journal on a trial basis. Our review of Ralph's recommendations led us more deeply into a search of the scientific literature on low vision, which confirmed our opinion that the field of low vision is rife with significant research issues. First, we found that Ralph is right—there are no formal typographical standards for publication which would facilitate readability by persons with low vision or even normal vision . Second, we learned of nursing homes which purged from their library holdings all publications printed on glossy stock because experience had shown that their residents had trouble reading such material . On the other hand, we found the question of typographical standards to be an open and complex issue : Should there be standards? If so, what should these contain? For example, on the single issue of type size we discovered that strong arguments can be made against the use of larger type size to assist individuals with low vision . Equipment and training may allow many individuals with low vision who can read large type sizes (16–24 points) to eventually read normal type sizes (10–12 points), thereby obviating the need for large type . In fact, publishing material in normal type size will allow some readers to read and comprehend more . Our point is that there are trade-offs, and the whole wide open for research. We found compelling evidence that research funding in the area of low vision has not received any emphasis proportionate to the prevalence of this disability . In terms of service, we found that low vision training comprises a significant gap . It is encouraging to note however that increased interest is developing in the areas of visual impairment and low vision nationally as evidenced by these events: