Working distance comparison of plus lenses and reading telescopes.

Low vision aids used in the spectacle plane may be either plus lenses or telescopes focused for near. The plus lens has a shorter working distance than a near point telescope of the same equivalent power. A relationship between the anterior focal length (fv) of the near point telescope and the equivalent focal length (fe) of a thin lens of equal power can be derived from the formula fv = (mag) (fe). This formula provides a basis for determining what equivalent powers are equal and interchangeable between the two types of aids. Furthermore, the advantages of the increased working distance afforded by the near point telescope can be defined.