Abstract: A meter and method for measuring the intensity of reflected or other light. The meter is particularly suitable for use by blind or visually impared diabetics to determine sugar level in their urine and in one embodiment is a handheld, battery-powered, audio-output device. A chemical impregnated sample under test is illuminated with a light source and reflected light is detected to form an electrical measurement signal. In order to minimize variations in light source output, the measurement signal is typically formed as a ratio of logrithmically scaled signals derived from the sample under test and from the light source. The measurement signal is compared with reference levels and the comparison results are encoded to provide signals to an audio or other indicator. A time sequencer is provided for causing the measurement signal to be examined at a predetermined time.