Bartell Drugs now offering accessible prescription labels for visually impaired patients

SEATTLE -- Bartell Drugs is now offering three solutions for persons with visual impairment who cannot read the print on their prescription drug container labels. 

Patients can receive either ScripTalk audible labels, ScripView large print labels, or Braille labels based on their need.  Accessible prescription labels help low-vision patients safely and independently manage their medications and communicate more effectively with their pharmacist about their prescription needs.

“It’s extremely important that patients know and understand the instructions for their medications,” said Bartell Drugs’ VP of pharmacy operations and clinical services, Billy Chow. “This can be challenging for our patients with visual impairments. Having this system guarantees those individuals full and unhindered access to accurate information in a format that is tailored for their needs.”

ScripTalk is an audible prescription reader. The ScripTalk label is embedded with a microchip and is programmed with all the printed label data. The patient places the container onto a small hand-held reader, and with the press of a button, is able to listen to the information including patient name, drug name and instructions, pharmacy contact information, warnings and more. Deaf-Blind users can request ScripTalk User software to export text to their Braille browser display. The ScripTalk reader is provided free by En-Vision America, Inc.

ScripView is a large-print, booklet-style label attached to the prescription container. It provides easy access to the prescription label for those with low vision. The label contains all the same information as the pharmacy's regular label, but in large print.  The pharmacist can edit the font size based upon the need of the patient.

Braille label tape can be added to a prescription with basic medication information.

The accessible label service is free to those who request it.