Big Y pharmacies help visually impaired learn about their meds

Springfield, Mass.-based Big Y is the latest retail pharmacy to add special print and audio prescription labels for those with vision impairments.

Two of Big Y’s stores in Rocky Hill, Conn., and Longmeadow, Mass., are adding either a large print 'ScripView' label or an electronic 'ScripTalk' label to medications for those with low vision.

"We are constantly seeking new ways to enhance our customers' pharmacy experience and this is just one simple way we can help our customers remain safe when taking their prescription medications,” said Nicole Schneider, senior manager of Pharmacy Operations.

Made by En-Vision America, 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,” according to a statement from Big Y.

With ScripTalk, the label is embedded with a microchip and is programmed with all the printed label data. At home, 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, and warnings.

The talking reader is provided free to customers who would like to use them.

"These labels give patients independence,” said Anna McClure, director of marketing at En-Vision America. "We are so excited to work with innovative pharmacies across the country that are providing accessible prescriptions to their patients. There are stories all the time of terrible mix-ups and mistakes. Our goal is to ensure it never happens again."

In addition to independent and chain pharmacies, En-Vision provides ScripView and ScripTalk to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Plus, Big Y is offering mail order availability for ScripView and Scriptalk. “Anyone with a visual or print impairment in the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut are eligible and can benefit from this program,” according to a statement from Big Y.