Medication Management for People with Low Vision

Low Sight Insight

Medication Management for People with Low Vision

For those with visual impairments, medication management requires specific strategies and tools to ensure safety and effectiveness. In a recent meeting of our Low Vision Support Group, we discussed various solutions, including the innovative technologies to help. These devices are sometimes free and can be mailed to you in 5-10 business days. Additionally, you can generally find these devices at local participating pharmacies such as HEB, Walmart, and Costco.

General Medication Management Tips

  1. Enhance Contrast:
    • Use a dark colored mat for sorting white pills.
    • Use a white background for darker colored pills.
  1. Organize Efficiently:
    • Use a pill box with large labels.
    • Keep medications in locations you visit frequently (e.g., next to your toothbrush).
    • Pour medications into a cup before taking them to avoid spills.
  1. Labeling:
    • Use index cards taped together to create a slide-over label for new bottles.
    • Place bump dots, rubber bands, or use puff paint on bottles to differentiate them.
    • Use high-contrast tape to enhance visibility of labels.
  1. Additional Tools:
    • Use a 3D-printed attachment for eye drops to help measure the correct dose.
    • Employ a headlamp or pen light for better visibility when sorting medications.
  1. Home Visits and Support:
    • Consider occupational therapy services that include home visits to assist with medication management.

By incorporating these tools and strategies, individuals with visual impairments can manage their medications more effectively, reducing the risk of errors and hospitalization, thus improving overall health outcomes.

This post will cover the different ScripTalk technologies and offer general tips for medication management for people with visual impairments.

ScripTalk Technologies

  1. ScripTalk: Talking Medication Labels

ScripTalk labels are designed to provide audible information about the medication. Patients can use a ScripTalk Station, which reads the information aloud when the bottle is placed on the device and the "Read" button is pressed. This system is beneficial for those who are blind or have severe visual impairments. The device is powered by AA batteries or a power cord, ensuring flexibility for different needs. Additionally, a mobile app version of ScripTalk is available, which can read out the medication information through a smartphone.

  1. ScriptView: Large Print Medication Labels

For individuals with low vision, ScriptView offers large print labels. These labels provide clear, easily readable text to ensure that users can correctly identify and manage their medications. ScriptView labels can also be attached to medication bottles in a booklet form, making them convenient to use and handle.

  1. BrailleRx: Braille Medication Labels

These labels provide essential medication information in Braille, ensuring accessibility for those who are blind and fluent in Braille reading.

For more information or assistance with setting up ScripTalk technologies, you can contact Loreta Roberts at [email protected]

Features and Accessibility

  • Dual Language Option: ScriptView labels can be printed in two languages, providing an additional layer of accessibility for non-English speakers.
  • Mobile App Features: The ScripTalk mobile app includes features such as:
    • "My Meds": Lists the name and dosage of prescriptions.
    • "Find Pharmacies": Locates participating pharmacies based on zip code.
    • "Help Button": Provides guidance on using the app and contacting support.
  • Veterans Assistance: Veterans can receive a ScripTalk device on loan, with a return kit provided for convenience.

Signing up for ScripTalk: https://www.envisionamerica.com/scriptalk-station-for-patients

Usage instructions: https://www.envisionamerica.com/post/how-does-scriptalk-work

Questions? Reach out to our Envision America representative: [email protected]