NOAH AOC

I use a monocular from Nikon.  It is excellent.  It is a 6 X 15.  I've used it almost my whole life and have always found it very useful - got me through college, still use it today at work.  Without question, I much prefer the handheld. 

You can order directly from Nikon - I believe they are around $120 or so. 

 As for a low vision clinic, look into New England Medical Center in downtown Boston.

Hi Aman,

 Your questions can best be answered by a low vision evaluation.  A low vision optometrist will talk with you about your needs and discuss the different options.  They also usually have samples for you to try in their offices.

 I would recommend the Low Vision Rehab Clinic at Mass Eye & Ear (near Mass General) in Boston or Tallman Eye Associates in Andover.

Good Luck,
Lee

Hello Aman,

I use an "Eschenbach club M 8x16 122m/1000m 7-degrees" hand-held monocular.  It comes in 6x and 8x power like mine.  It's an incredibly well thought-out device: about the size of a flip-open cell phone, light-weight rubberized body, rectangular image and a focus slider.  My favorite featues are the rectangular image (like a wide-screen TV image) which allows me to orient the unit for greater horizontal or vertical field-of-view depending on the application, and the innovative focus slider--you simply glide it back and forth in a track to focus instead of turning a knob as found with virtually all other monoculars.  The only drawback (just an optical reality) is its minimum focal distance of about 6-feet, a bit more than that with my contact lenses in.  By the way, by visual acuity is roughly equivalent to yours. 

As for a Low Vision Specialist: I've been to several Boston-area Low Vision Clinics, and among them all, I very highly recommend Dr. Richard J. Jamara and his Occupational Therapist 'Jen' at the "New England Eye Commonwealth" located 930 Commonwealth Avenue West in Boston.  You can reach the center easily on the Pleasant Street stop of the 'T' Green Line "B" Train.  You may call them at: 617.262.2020 and find them on the web at: www.neecommonwealth.org

Dr. Jamara is very knowledgeable, compassionate, and very thorough.  Because NEEC is part of the New England College of Optometry (at which Dr. Jamara is an Associate Professor of Optometry) senior-level students may work with you at certain times, but rest assured that Dr. Jamara works directly with you on all your low vision concerns and the students only assist and observe.  I actually find it a rather fun experience.  They have many devices to try out, and because it's an educational institution, you get any devices you need at or near "cost" as they are not a profit-making venture.  They're also very good about follow-up visits as you explore devices and learn more about your needs.  Please mention me to Dr. Jamara if you go. 

I hope all this helps!

Best Regards,

Robin Woodbury

My vision is about 20/200 as well.

 I have a Specwell 10x30 & I think a 8x20, both handheld.  I perfur handhelds.  

I got mine from Beyound Sight in Colorado, where I live.  They cost around $140+.

If your looking for something light, go with a lowwer power model.  It should still be good for outdoors.

I would say I wouldn't hurt to get an eval done.  Thats where I learned about monoculars.

Hello,

 I use a bioptic which is mounted on a pair of glasses.  Many seem to prefer hand held because of cosmetic purposes, but the ones on the glasses integrate the prescription of your regular glasses with the telescope, at least in my experience. 

 I would suggest you contact the Commission for the Blind, or Department of Rehabilitation, whatever is in your area.  If you go on google, just put in rehabilitation for the blind boston, or something like that and you should be able to find it.  I got mine through the Southern California College of Optometry, but it was made at a place called Designs for Vision which is in New York.

Hope this helps.

Julie