After a mysterious event that blinded the entire world population, the characters in Blind Spots use devices called vidders to see. In real life, many people are experiencing vision improvement through technology that might sound like something out of a science fiction novel. From smart glasses to implantable contact lenses, vision improvement technologies are proliferating for every need. Unfortunately, in the U.S., few of these options are covered by insurance and therefore are out of reach for many. (I have personally benefited from telling my doctor about my financial situation and having her advocate for me with the manufacturer of my own special lenses.)

The first eSight smart glasses were released in 2013, and the technology has been steadily improving since then. These glasses are good for people with central vision loss — those who are unable to see details in front of them well but retain side vision — including macular degeneration patients. Combining cameras,...