This Clear Veil May Help
Frank Linton
My eyesight is not what it used to be. How about yours?
These days, it is easier for me to see my veil than to see through it. Yuck!
When I’m inspecting a colony I want to see eggs, larvae, bees and whatever else might be there. I do not want to see that black mesh.
Fortunately I have found a fairly simple solution; I replaced the mesh in my veil with a flexible, clear plastic panel. See figures 1 – 3.
Actually, I didn’t do it myself. My partner, using a seam ripper, carefully removed the front panel of the veil (the largest panel), taking care not to tear the fabric. Then, with the front panel as a guide, she cut a piece of plastic the same size. Finally, using her sturdy machine, she sewed the plastic panel into the veil. She said it required only basic sewing skills.
Want to buy one ready-made? Sorry, you are out of luck. The material cost is low, under $25, but someone will have to do the sewing. I was able to find only one alternative version online, here: https://backyardhive.com; it is significantly more expensive.
This modified veil can be combined with a magnifying headset, such as those sold for queen grafting, to improve one’s vision even more.
There is, too, another alternative: taking on a helper with twice your eyesight, half your age, and none of your experience. The solitary (and elderly) beekeeper may be a cliché, but beekeeping is much more enjoyable with a companion.
Frank Linton, an EAS-certified Master Beekeeper, runs the website https://BeekeepingWithDisabilities.com. He can be reached at fnlinton@gmail.com