Hi, my dad suffers from age related macular degeneration and having spent the weekend watching him struggle to read a restaurant menu with magnifying glass, etc. I thought that a tablet device with a camera and flash (looking at a Samsung Galaxy Pro 8.4) to illuminate a printed page would be a good idea and far better than what he currently uses. Anyone had any similar experience or know of any android apps which would be of help? Any ideas greatly appreciated.

I think you’re trying to find a tech solution without thinking about what would be truly useful.
For me, I’d want an app that would convert the printed page into spoken text, If my eyesight was that much more poor to require significant assistance. This would also give increased independence in other walks of life.

Apple have specialised in making iOS usable for blind and visually impaired users. Siri does voice control, for example.
http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios-apps-for-blind-and-vision-impaired
http://appadvice.com/applists/show/apps-for-the-visually-impaired

Try an app and see. But talk to your dad first.

Mine is going deaf. But he didn’t persist with a hearing aid until it became natural and his brain adapted to filter. I suspect the moment has passed now. My folks are open to tech but in practise default to what they know. Their flat screen telly has terrible sound which must make hearing it difficult…but it’s really not that important to justify hi fi!

Thanks for all the advice; one step at a time, me thinks…

My mil had a phone to try from a local sight charity. It was android with a special app which simplified and magnified the important functions. Not cheap, and ultimately she decided against buying one, but there are options out there.