Reviewed is an American Institutes for Research (AIR) study to identify predictors of Optacon success and to develop and field test appropriate Optacon training materials for use by 112 blind elementary and secondary students in 15 U.S. public and residential schools. Potential use of the Optacon (an optical to tactile conversion device that enables blind individuals to read ink print materials) is briefly discussed, a drawing of Optacon components is provided, and selected study results summarized in tabular and written form. Noted among predictors of Optacon reading proficienty are scores on intelligence and tactile-kinesthetic discrimination tests. (LH)