Low Vision Simulation Kit Instructions

    1)  This Kit is capable of simulating a variety of visual disorders. Each acuity lens can be used in conjunction with any
         of the funnels, and/or other lenses.

    2)  NONE OF THESE COMBINATIONS ACCURATELY SIMULATE A VISUAL PATHOLOGY OF A PERSON WITH
         LOW VISION. These lenses are very rough approximations of visual acuity loss and field restriction, and should not
         be interpreted as a true representation of how a person with low vision "sees."

    3)  Wear each simulator for a period of time while conducting different activities. Simply looking through the simulator
         will not provide you with an understanding of the difficulties encountered by persons with low vision when trying
         various tasks.

    4)  Use each simulator for a period of time in a variety of settings, i.e., indoors/outdoors, bright light/dim light and for
         near vision tasks (e.g., reading) as well as distance vision tasks (e.g., reading street signs).  

    5)  Each pair of goggles has a nose groove for more comfortable wear.

    6)  When using the simulator DO NOT look around the simulation by moving your eye (e.g., macular degeneration).
         Instead, keep your eye fixated in the center of the lens and either move your head or your body slowly to locate
         objects. Your brain will want to "cheat" and look around the simulation, but resist the temptation. If you look around
         the simulation, you'll defeat the purpose of its use. Remember, persons with low vision cannot move their eyes
         around their disorder to achieve clear vision.

    7)  If used properly, the simulators will give the user a good understanding of some of the difficulties encountered when
         performing simple visual tasks.

    8)  The four visual acuity lenses are designed to be used primarily for distance vision tasks. If near vision simulation is
          desired (i.e., reading, finding a phone number), wrap numerous layers of clear plastic wrap or use the near
              macular degeneration lens to achieve the desired simulation.


    9)  It is advisable to work in teams of two when using the simulators, particularly when movement is involved. One
         person should be the user and the other be the guide or spotter. If necessary, walk using the sighted guide
         technique in unfamiliar areas where there may be stairs, curbs, drop-offs, or any other unexpected hazards.

    10)  Users who wears corrective lenses for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and/or astigmatism
           may accurately depict visual impairment by simply removing their corrective lenses. Using these simulators
           compounds the amount of refractive error already experienced by the user.

    11)  When cleaning, wet each lens with water and use a soft cloth to wipe dry. Do not use a tissue or paper towel
            because wood-based products such as these will scratch the lenses. If fogging occurs, spray the lens with an
            anti-fog liquid.

    12)  As you can see Mistletoe's strap is a little long and she needs to adjust it.

    13)  When using the hemianopsia lens, make sure the lens and field restriction
            is vertical. It can be either a vertical nasal field restriction, or a vertical temporal
            field restriction.

    14) The user assumes all responsibility for accidents or injury. Please read # 9
           above before using these devices.

    15) Instructions are available in Spanish, French, and Japanese upon request.
Mistletoe wearing goggles
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