Below are details of lights and lighting suppliers that our members have found particularly helpful.  If you have other favourites then please add your comments to the discussion forum under Low Vision. 

Many resource centres for people with sight loss around the country have a range of lights and other useful equipment on display so that you can try before you buy.  The helpline 0845 241 2041 can help you to locate a resource centre in your area.

The key things to bear in mind when considering additional lighting for near tasks like reading, eating and continuing with hobbies are:
     The task(s) you wish to perform and where you wish to sit
     Minimal heat output
     Adjustable positioning.

Think about what you want to use the lamp for. Would a table top, floor-standing or wall mounted flexible design best meet those needs in a safe and effective way? Colour preference with lighting is quite personal and you need to see which bulb colour that you prefer (due to a coloured coating that is applied to the bulb), although whiter lights do enhance contrast more

For further advice about the effective use and positioning of lighting, please see the Lighting page of this site or download or listen to our Lighting leaflet.

LED units

Light emitting diode (LED) task lamps are just starting to appear on the market. LED lamps give of a very bright, white light. The bulbs last much longer than traditional tungsten bulbs, use very little energy and do not get hot.

Booklight (Picture to follow)

Recommended by a member and detailed in the Summer 2007 issue of Sideview.  This LED booklight is available from 'Essentials by Post', catalogue (Spring 2007) ref 3059.  Supplied with Lithium batteries it costs £6.99. 

"Handy for illuminating a menu or food in a dimly lit restaurant or when putting your key in the lock, the light weighs 40g and is an ideal size for your pocket or handbag."

Telephone 08701 203377 or visit Essentials by Post  website.

Portable LED lamps

The mail order company 'Coopers of Stortford', telephone 01279 757100 has two sizes of portable LED lights in their (Spring 2007) catalogue. 

The smaller C298 is 28 cm high with a flexible neck, providing up to 50 hours of use from one set of batteries and costs £12.99.

B970 can provide upto 200 hours of use from one set of batteries or it can be powered by an AC mains adaptor (not supplied).  This task lamp costs £24.99.

Other suppliers used by our members:

The following suppliers have a range of task lamps available.  Please contact them for a catalogue. 

Optima
01803 864218
www.optimalowvision.co.uk/

RNIB Customer Services
0845 702 3153
onlineshop.rnib.org.uk/shoptab.asp

iC
01226 762528
www.ic-online.co.uk/