Abstract: Optical devices and methods for providing wide field magnification to assist the visually impaired, and others, are provided. The optical device includes a plurality of telescopic lens sets, for example, a plurality of telescopes, each telescopic lens set including an objective lens and an ocular lens, and a plurality of refracting optical elements, for example, prisms, positioned in front of at least some of the objective lenses. The refracting optical elements are adapted to at least partially redirect light rays toward at least some of the objective lenses to provide wider fields of view, for example, a wider contiguous field of view. Aspects of the invention can provide fields of view up to 40 degrees or more. These wider fields of view can greatly enhance the visual acuity of the visually impaired, as well as provide wider fields of view for non-corrective purposes, such as for field observations.

Abstract: Optical elements having a plurality of integral prism facets having varying prismatic power are provided. These optical elements address the disadvantages of conventional therapeutic optical prisms by addressing the undesirable variation in prismatic effect that results when conventional prisms are combined with optical lenses in binocular vision. Specifically, the present invention can equalize differential prismatic effects of right and left eye lenses over their entire aperture. The optical elements may include a plurality of prism facets having base-down and base-up prismatic power. The elements may include individual elements having variable prismatic elements, individual elements combining both conventional prisms and variable prism, or separate elements having conventional prisms and variable prism. The plurality of integral facets or a substantially continuous smooth surface may be provided, for, example, a cylindrical surface having a circular or non-circular profile.

Abstract: Optical devices and methods for providing wide field magnification to assist the visually impaired, and others, are provided. The optical device includes a plurality of telescopic lens sets, for example, a plurality of telescopes, each telescopic lens set including an objective lens and an ocular lens, and a plurality of refracting optical elements, for example, prisms, positioned in front of at least some of the objective lenses. The refracting optical elements are adapted to at least partially redirect light rays toward at least some of the objective lenses to provide wider fields of view, for example, a wider contiguous field of view. Aspects of the invention can provide fields of view up to 40 degrees or more. These wider fields of view can greatly enhance the visual acuity of the visually impaired, as well as provide wider fields of view for non-corrective purposes, such as for field observations.