How The OrCam MyEye Changed My Life for the Better

My name is Elizabeth Novak. I am a very new user of the OrCam MyEye. In fact, I am one of the first people in Canada to own the device. When being trained on the OrCam MyEye, I found the device easy to learn how to use and very intuitive in its use. You simply point to the text that you wish to read and OrCam MyEye guides you about where to position your head and/or the text to ensure that the camera sensor can adequately capture a picture of the words that you wish to read. The computer processor then quickly translates and reads the text back to you through a small speaker located by your ear that is connected to the camera sensor.

The OrCam MyEye has truly been a game-changer for me. I have had low vision all of my life as a result of being born with a genetic condition called albinism. Albinism results in a lack of pigment production in the retina and fovea components at the back of the eye. This causes difficulty with being able to read the small print, see faraway objects, and recognize people’s faces. Albinism also results in a sensitivity to light and glare.

The OrCam MyEye has helped to resolve many of these issues. I currently work as a Museum Program Instructor with two different museums. Since purchasing my OrCam MyEye, I constantly use the device in my workplaces to read staff handouts without having to resort to the need for photocopied enlargements. I also utilize my OrCam MyEye to read up on museum programming information, conduct small print journal research, and also to recognize the faces of my coworkers.

In my leisure time, I enjoy using my OrCam MyEye to read the newspaper and magazines that I once had such difficulty reading. I also enjoy visiting museums and reading all of the information offered to visitors on text panels featured in exhibits and exhibitions. During museum visits, I usually try to have someone accompany me to assist me with reading the small print that is found on text panels. With my OrCam MyEye, I can now make trips to my favorite museums by myself and enjoy reading text panel information that would otherwise be inaccessible to me without assistance.

OrCam has given me a newfound sense of freedom and independence that I did not have before. The device has enriched my life and added much enjoyment in being able to access reading materials. The OrCam MyEye is unobtrusive to wear and easy to use in public spaces. I would recommend the OrCam MyEye to any low-vision or blind users.