My Mom is having a very hard time reading; she is 87. In order to read, she has to shine a flashlight on the book.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a light, lamp, or magnifying system that might be helpful?

I think she would like to *not* have to hold a flashlight anymore.

The OTT lights are great..and it may help to improve the type of light...they also have magnifiers that you can buy separately and attach without holding...they are pricey but you can find sales...and ebay too...

Before DH had his cataract surgery he used a flip-up Ott light.

I love to read in bed... I use a cheap ( @ $5 @ walmart) book light.. it is the brightest I've seen.. ( they are in the check out register aisles)
I can't use the OTT lights.. they put off a " blue" white light.. I have uldtra sensative eyes and the ( OTT) blue lights give me immed mega migraines....

I love Ott lights. I had a floor model that came over my shoulder. BUT, having said that, I have a lamp that I just put a full spectrum bulb in and it is awesome to read by. Same idea as OTT light, but not quite so spending. I believe full spectrum bulb is the key here.

i have an Ott Lite and it is very helpful for me in reading.

Home Depot sells full spectrum light bulbs, same idea as the Ott light, only much cheaper. They use less energy and are brighter than incandescent light bulbs. I use a full spectrum bulbs in the bedroom for reading and in the bathroom so I can see my makeup. Also good for indoor plants. They are wonderful lights all over the house, really.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...cStoreNum=1002

That's the particular spectrum OTT uses. You can go to a big box store and get the 'same' bulb with a different spectrum.

Took the OTT bulb with us. The one we got has s slightly different porcelain shape at the bottom - makes absolutely no difference as it fits the lamp.