A technology fair at BUEI this Saturday will show the myriad ways in which modern devices can help people with vision loss.

Organised by the Bermuda Society for the Blind, the event is being held to mark World Sight Day, which raises awareness of vision problems across the globe.

The fair will run from 10am to 4pm, featuring equipment demonstrations ranging from the simple (such as talking clocks and hot beverage pouring sensors) to the more advanced technology (such as document-reading machines and electronic magnifiers).

There will also be a joint-presentation at 11am titled “Diabetes and How it Can Affect Vision” by Sara McKittrick from the Bermuda Diabetes Association and Dr V.C. Parthasarathy from the Bermuda International Eye Institute, and a lesson in downloading free audio books at 1pm.

“Technology helps people with sight loss in practically every way.

“It gives them a lot more options,” said Jane Charlton, a vision rehabilitation specialist at the BSFB.

“Apple was very advanced in designing its products, because it built voice-activation technology into everything.

“Now other companies are doing that too, which is excellent.”

Ms Charlton has worked for two years at the BSFB in Hamilton, which is based on the corner of Cedar Avenue and Dundonald Street and opens from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

The society provides support for those with vision loss due to conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes and macular degeneration.

Ms Charlton’s job involves helping blind and partially-sighted people manage tasks such as reading mail, preparing meals and socialising — “activities that a lot of sighted people often take for granted”.

Also on the BSFB’s upcoming schedule are a talk on vision loss at St Andrew’s church hall from 6pm to 7.30pm on Monday October 10, tag days at various locations island-wide from 8.30am to 4pm on Wednesday October 12, an open house at Beacon House from 11am to 3pm on Thursday October 13 and a book discussion group at Bermuda National Library from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday October 27. To contact the Bermuda Society for the Blind for more information or to volunteer, call 292-3231.