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.