Start with a low-vision assessment, which is different from a regular eye exam. A low-vision optometrist looks at how your parent uses their remaining sight for daily tasks and recommends magnifiers, lighting, reading glasses with high power, or electronic aids. Aids for macular degeneration often include video magnifiers and screen readers, while others help with glare or contrast.
For Burlington families, there are some practical points. A specialized low vision clinic may not be close to every neighbourhood, so families often look in Hamilton and Oakville as well, which appear on this page. Many seniors here live in two-storey homes in Millcroft or Headon Forest, where stair lighting and contrast strips on steps make a real difference. Ask whether the clinic offers home visits or works with an occupational therapist for home safety.
Prioritize a provider who trains your parent to use each aid, not just hands it over. Aids for low vision only help if they get used, and training builds confidence. Ask about trial periods, return policies, and who to call if an electronic magnifier stops working. Bring a list of the tasks your parent misses most, like reading recipes or seeing the TV.
Our take is that a full low-vision assessment comes first, before buying any gadget. Picking up magnifiers at a pharmacy is quicker and cheaper, but the trade-off is guessing at magnification and lighting, which often leads to frustration. Ontario's Assistive Devices Program supports some eligible vision aids, and veterans can check their benefits with Veterans Affairs Canada.