I was recently given the opportunity to test the KNFB Reader application using my iPod Touch Version 5. Here are my thoughts-
First, this application does everything it promises, and does it well. The application, which converts text to speech, allowed me to use the camera function on my iPod Touch to take pictures of text on documents, book pages, and labels. The application then converts the text to speech allowing me, a blind person, to hear what the text is all about. I happen to use English for the text to language conversion, but the application has dozens of other language options.
Next, this is very impressive technology for its ease of use and speed of operation. I studied the YouTube online training school videos, which were straightforward, and I was able to quickly sort out how to perform the application’s functions on my iPod Touch. What most surprised me was how easy it was to create the text image and how the KNFB Reader converted the image into spoken text in a matter of seconds.
If you’re looking for a text to speech application, I consider the KNFB Reader an outstanding product.
Want to learn more? Here’s the link:
http://knfbreader.com/products-mobile.php
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Travels with Tio 
It’s interesting. I have slow-forming cataracts in both eyes so my sight’s going slowly and when it gets bad enough I shall have to try to overcome a phobia and have surgery but there is always the fear that surgery will fail (I know a couple of people that’s happened to, unfortunately). Do you, personally, have the ability to see light still? I wonder how someone without that ability would know a paper document even has text to be read, otherwise. (Excuse me if that sounds ignorant, only these days I often wonder about life without sight.)
I am glad to hear you still have most of your sight. Yes, cataracts can be a challenge but I’ve known many people who’ve had successful surgery for this condition and believe the surgery techniques are getting ever better. I still see blobs and blurs which enables me to get around without walking into walls. I feel very fortunate to have access to several computer assistive technology applications which allow me to pursue my writing goals and stay connected with the rest of the world. I have the utmost admiration for those blind people before me who had to adapt to loss of sight without the relatively easy to use tools available today.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I wish you all the best!