This is Robert Feinstein in NY. I have been using my optacon a great deal lately, as I use it in conjunction with my Sara reading machine. I am noticing that it is becoming easier for me to read, and I am amazed at the variety of print I can make out. The optacon actually gives us a raised representation of a print page, which is quite amazing, and our finger takes the place of a sighted person's eyes looking at the same page. It is truly mind blowing what one can observe with the optacon: font changes, italics, bold print, large print, small print, underlining, and even when a given letter is not as clear as surrounding letters. I absolutely believe the optacon is the most amazing invention since the braille writer. It is not easy to use, and takes a great deal of work, but once it is learned, there is nothing like it. It truly enhances my use of my Sara. If the Sara misses a word, I can easily find the word because I know the context and can guess where the missed word appears. Usually, I can easily read the missed word. It is strange: it's almost like a rediscovery of the optacon for me. I had been letting mine languish and I'm glad I am using it again. I also want to say how grateful I am for Richard Oehm and his expertise because there will come a time when my optacon will need repair. I certainly am not at the level of many of you on the list, but I am truly proud and happy with what I am able to do. Just wanted to say hi and talk about what I have been thinking lately and my newfound respect and admiration for the optacon and those who invented it and taught it. Bob to view the list archives, go to: www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. Tell your friends about the list. They can subscribe by sending a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject.