Cambridge simulation glasses

These glasses simulate a general loss of the ability to see fine detail, but do not represent any particular eye condition. Different levels of impairment are simulated by wearing different numbers of glasses at the same time.

The effects are representative of an inability to achieve the correct focus, reduced sensitivity of retinal cells, and problems with internal parts of the eye becoming cloudy. These effects typically occur with ageing and the majority of eye conditions, as well as not wearing the most appropriate corrective glasses.

These glasses enable quick identification of product features that do not have sufficient size or contrast.For example, the glasses are suitable for assessing the legibility of text and symbols, and the extent to which users will be able to see the different controls of a product.

Version 2 of the glasses launched May 2013. Version 2 is calibrated to population data, and includes specific instructions for testing a product against our recommended benchmark. This benchmark ensures that it excludes less than 1% of the population, based on their vision capability. The new calibration chart is available to download

Cambridge Simulation Glasses are intended to supplement other evaluation tools (described within the Getting started section). Important issues not covered by these glasses include ensuring compatibility with visual aids, and considering those with blind spots, tunnel vision, colour blindness and excessive glare sensitivity. Impairment simulation cannot convey what it is really like to live with capability loss on an everyday basis.

Single-user pack of glasses

Contains 5 pairs of Level 1 glasses. Costs £29, which includes first-class UK delivery and VAT. Postage costs vary for other delivery destinations.

Large pack of glasses

Contains 50 pairs of Level 1 glasses. Costs £150, which includes first-class UK delivery and VAT. Postage costs vary for other delivery destinations.

Discounts are available for orders that total 100+ pairs of glasses. Please contact edc-toolkit@eng.cam.ac.uk for details.

Simulating Mild Vision Loss

The UK Driving eyesight rules state that it is illegal to drive if your vision is VA 20 / 40 or worse.

The visual ability that you experience while wearing the simulation glasses depends on your starting visual ability and the number of simulation glasses that you wear. If you follow the instructions on the calibration chart for simulating Mild Vision Loss, the visual ability you will experience should be in the range 20 / 30 to 20 / 50.

Testing against our benchmark

The vision test chart supplied with the glasses is identical format to that used within the Better Design Survey (2010), the results of which are publicly available from the UK data archive.

According to the distance vision test within this survey, 1% of the UK population have vision worse than 20 / 50. If you follow the instructions on the calibration chart for testing against our benchmark, the visual ability you will experience should be in the range 20 / 50 to 20 / 90.