Episode 10: How Does Seeing AI Recognize Food, Money, and Text for People with Vision Loss?

Living with Vision Loss PodcastEpisode 10: How Does Seeing AI Recognize Food, Money, and Text for People with Vision Loss?Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVTEpisode Type: Educational / App GuideEpisode SummaryDawn introduces Seeing AI, a free text-to-speech app that helps people who are legally blind read again. If magnification devices don't work due to severely reduced vision, central scotomas, constricted peripheral fields, or severe glare, Seeing AI can read printed material aloud and describe objects in your environment. Dawn demonstrates the three main features: Read, Describe, and More (currency and color identification).Who Is Seeing AI For?People who can't see print even with magnificationPeople with central scotomas (blind spots in central vision)People with severely constricted peripheral fieldsAnyone who is legally blind and wants to read independentlyThree Main Features of Seeing AIReadHold camera in front of printed material — it reads aloud instantlyGreat for spot reading (labels, cans, short text)Document Detection feature for longer pages or paragraphsDescribeIdentifies food on your plateDescribes objects in your environmentHelps find lost items by describing what the camera seesMore (Currency & Color)Currency — Identifies paper bills (prevents tipping or paying the wrong amount)Color — Identifies colors (accuracy varies with lighting)How to Get StartedDownload the app — Free on iPhone and AndroidOpen the app — Use voice commands or VoiceOverLine up the camera — Use a reading stand to hold materialTap the screen — Controls are auditory and tell you what you're accessingThings to ConsiderPractice is essential — don't get frustratedCamera alignment matters — won't read the whole page if not lined up correctlyIf you don't like the Read feature, try Document Detection insteadCan also download on iPadIf you have reduced acuity and can't see icons, learn VoiceOver (future episode)It's free — try it and see if it works for your goals!Resources to Learn Seeing AILighthouse Guild — Videos on how to use Seeing AI: lighthouseguild.orgHadley Helps — Instructional videos for Android and iPhone (free membership): hadley.eduThe Blind Life Podcast — Insights on using Seeing AI (available on YouTube and podcast platforms)YouTube — Search "Living with Vision Loss Dawn Ciccarone" for demonstrationsQuestions or to share your Seeing AI experience, email [email protected] in the Next EpisodeOther text-to-speech devices to help with readingAbout Your HostDawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist and Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently.Connect & SubscribeSubscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast. Contact Dawn on LinkedIn with questions or [email protected]: Seeing AI app, text to speech app, read aloud app, legally blind reading, low vision app, describe objects app, currency identifier app, central scotoma, blind spot vision, iPhone accessibility, Android accessibility, Lighthouse Guild, Hadley Helps, The Blind Life podcastMedical DisclaimerThe information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician or low vision specialist before making treatment decisions.Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2026 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life