Far too often, professionals focus almost solely on individuals' needs for magnification level for reading. Visual acuities are measured and decisions are made for low vision devices largely on the basis of acuity levels. Contrast sensitivity function is often overlooked as a critical need for and predictor of the selection and preference for low vision devices. In this article, the author discusses the correlation between contrast sensitivity function and illumination needs; measurements of the levels of the reflective illuminance of current illuminated stand magnifiers; and calls for further study of the relationship among contrast sensitivity function, illumination needs, and preferences for low vision devices for reading. The author reviews the preference by many individuals with low scores on contrast sensitivity function for low vision devices with bright illumination, and presents a study of the measurements of the reflectance illumination of major illuminated stand magnifiers. (Contains 1 table.)