What are the simulators made of?
The simulators start out as a welder’s goggle. We remove the some parts of the goggle and add materials to create the simulation. The sides, top and bottom of the simulators are made of a soft vinyl, and the front is made of a hard plastic. The lenses are made of plastic..

Do the goggles block the light from the sides and from the top?
Yes. The goggles are made to protect the eyes of welders so they completely cover the eyes.

How many in a “set”?
There are 13 simulators altogether, and they are sold as a set or individually. This allows you to buy only the ones you want and in combinations that make sense for you. The French have a word for this: “al a carte”.

Why do both eyes see the same? Don’t people with low vision have differences in acuity or visual field in each eye?
People with low vision often have a different level of visual acuity or field in each eye. However, the purpose of the simulators is NOT to replicate an individual’s functional vision rather, it is to give fully sighted people a good idea of the general issues a person with low vision might face. Also, if one eye has significantly better visual acuity than the other, the brain usually attends to the image from the preferred eye. In other words, a person who has 20/100 (6/60) in one eye and 20/400 (6/120) in the other will usually see at the level of the eye with better acuity when both eyes are used together.

Does it make a difference if I wear glasses or not when I use the simulators?
Probably. The simulators are designed to be worn over glasses. Doing this will help you experience a more accurate version of the stated acuity.

What does the red and black coloring in the diabetic retinopathy simulator represent?
The red color represents a fresh vitreous hemorrhage. Since it would be likely to settle to the bottom of the eye, the inverted image would cause it appear near the top of the visual field. The black coloring represents vitreous floaters which could be the remnants of old hemorrhages.

Are the simulators marked or labeled when I receive them?
Yes, each simulator is labeled with the item number, the name of the condition and its level of acuity or visual field.

How long does it take to get my order?
Typically, an order is filled in about a week. Standard shipping is UPS, FedEx Ground or USPS Priority Mail, so add on another 3-5 working days (for US delivery). If you need it shipped in fewer than 5 business days after I receive all the necessary information (RUSH order), there is an extra fee of 15%.

What if I’m not happy with them after I get them?
If there was a mistake in the order or it arrived damaged, let me know right away. If the order is correct but the simulators are not what you thought they would be, just let me know (phone, fax, or email) and send them back in new, unused condition and I’ll refund the cost of the simulator(s). You should also read the disclaimer.