Low Vision Equipment 2026: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Device
Reading machines, video magnifiers, electronic magnifiers, smart glasses, AI apps… The assistive technology market has exploded. This guide covers every device category: how it works, real prices, insurance coverage, and AI alternatives in 2026.
Guide updated 02/20/2026. Prices from specialized assistive technology retailers. Lumyeye is the publisher of this website.
The 6 categories of visual aids in 2026
From traditional equipment to AI on smartphone — everything that exists for blind and visually impaired people.
Reading machine
$1,500 – $5,000A dedicated device with built-in OCR that scans and reads text aloud. Excellent reading quality but bulky (desktop device), expensive and limited to reading only. No GPS, no dialogue, no scene description.
→ Detailed Reading Machine vs AI comparisonVideo magnifier (CCTV)
$500 – $4,000Camera + screen (portable or desktop) that enlarges text and images. Desktop models offer comfort with a large screen but only magnify. No voice reading, no AI.
→ Detailed Video Magnifier vs AI comparisonElectronic magnifier
$300 – $1,500Portable version of the video magnifier. Small screen (3.5–7"), 2×–25× zoom. Practical on the go but small screen, single function (magnification) and high price for what it does.
→ Detailed Electronic Magnifier vs AI comparisonSmart glasses (OrCam, Envision…)
$3,500 – $5,000Miniature camera mounted on glasses with OCR and object recognition. Discreet but very expensive, limited battery, less advanced than 2026 AI (no GPT dialogue, no GPS).
→ Detailed OrCam vs Lumyeye comparisonWhite cane
$30 – $200The oldest and still essential mobility aid. Ground-level obstacle detection, signaling blindness to other people. No technology replaces it for immediate tactile obstacle detection.
AI App (Lumyeye)
$16.90/monthYour smartphone becomes a complete visual assistant: camera zoom (= magnifier + CCTV), OCR voice reading (= reading machine), GPT-4o AI dialogue, street sign reading, scene description, banknote recognition, voice web search. Combines 4 devices in one.
→ See the full comparisonSummary table: all devices face to face
| Feature | Lumyeye AI | Reading Machine | Video Magnifier | Electronic Magnifier | Smart Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $16.90/mo | $1,500–$5,000 | $500–$4,000 | $300–$1,500 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| Voice reading | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Zoom / Magnification | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| AI dialogue | ✅ GPT-4o | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Street sign reading | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Scene description | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ basic |
| Web search | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Banknotes | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ some |
| Portability | ✅ smartphone | ❌ desktop | ⚠️ heavy | ✅ portable | ✅ glasses |
Comparison by product categories. Average 2026 prices from specialized retailers. Lumyeye is the publisher of this website.
Why AI on smartphone changes everything in 2026
One subscription combines the functions of 4 separate devices.
$180/year vs $10,000+
Buying a reading machine + video magnifier + magnifier + smart glasses = $6,000 to $15,000. Lumyeye combines all for $180/year.
AI that evolves
Physical equipment stays frozen. Lumyeye's AI improves every month: new features, better recognition, more natural dialogue — without changing hardware.
Zero extra hardware
Your smartphone — you already own it. No need to buy, carry or charge 4 devices. All in one, in your pocket.
Street sign & storefront reading
No traditional device offers walking navigation. Lumyeye guides you on the street, in the subway, in stores with step-by-step voice directions.
Intelligent dialogue
Ask questions about what you see, request a summary, a translation. No physical device dialogues — AI does.
Voice Internet access
Web search, news, schedules, weather — all accessible by voice. Traditional devices are disconnected from the Internet.
FAQ: low vision equipment
Answers to your most common questions.
What equipment is available for visually impaired people in 2026?
The main categories are: reading machines ($1,500–$5,000, OCR voice reading), video magnifiers/CCTVs ($500–$4,000, video magnification), electronic magnifiers ($300–$1,500, portable magnification), smart glasses like OrCam/Envision ($3,500–$5,000), white canes ($30–$200) and AI apps like Lumyeye ($16.90/month).
How to get insurance coverage for low vision equipment?
In the US: 1) Vocational rehabilitation — state programs may cover devices needed for employment. 2) Medicare Part B — covers certain prescribed assistive devices. 3) Medicaid — coverage varies by state. 4) Private insurance — some plans cover assistive technology. 5) Non-profit organizations like Lions Club, NFB may provide assistance. Contact your state's disability services office.
What's the difference between a reading machine and a video magnifier?
A reading machine scans text and reads it aloud (OCR) — it only reads, doesn't magnify. A video magnifier (CCTV) enlarges images on a screen — it only magnifies, doesn't read aloud. Both are complementary but cost $2,000 to $9,000 together. Lumyeye combines both functions + AI dialogue + GPS for $16.90/month.
Can AI replace all these devices?
Largely, yes. Lumyeye combines reading machine functions (OCR), video magnifier (zoom), electronic magnifier (enlargement), plus unique features (AI dialogue, street sign reading, scene description, web search). Only the white cane remains essential for tactile ground-level obstacle detection — no technology replaces it today.
What's the best value in visual aids?
Lumyeye at $16.90/month offers the best value by combining 4 devices' functions for under $180/year (vs $3,000–$15,000 to buy them separately). The free trial (~20 requests) lets you compare with your current equipment risk-free.
Can I try Lumyeye before committing?
Yes. free trial (~20 requests), no credit card, no commitment. Download from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Compare with your current equipment. Then $16.90/month, cancelable anytime.
Try Lumyeye free — about 20 requests included
No credit card. The equivalent of 4 devices in one app. On iPhone and Android.
Starting at $16.90/month after the free trial. Cancel anytime.