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Abstract

Many assistive technology systems for the visually impaired are supported by contributions from the senses of touch, hearing and smell. This chapter openswith a description of the nature of multisensory perception as this forms an important context for the design and use of assistive technology systems.

The chapter then concentrates on the sense of vision. Basic eye physiology is presented along with descriptions of some of the capabilities of the human eye for binocular vision, colour vision and motion tracking.

A brief review of the demographics of vision impairment is given and this is followed by descriptions of the effects of typical vision impairments. A set of photographic images illustrates the conditions described. The basics of simple spectacle provision close the chapter.

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Hersh, M. (2008). Perception, the Eye and Assistive Technology Issues. In: Hersh, M., Johnson, M. (eds) Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired and Blind People. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-867-8_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-867-8_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84628-866-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84628-867-8

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