Just wanted to let people know that all electronics has a nice stereo magnifier on a head band with several powers for $5. If you have long arm disease or want to get into surface mount part this would be a help.
I just use high magnification reading glasses. I found a pair at a store while checking out once. 3X magnification, spring hinges so they're really comfortable 'reading' style glasses, which means they're rectangular so just looking up gives you normal vision. Only cost me 3 bucks. The focal depth isn't the greatest, but I don't wear them often enough to matter.