Capability loss simulation provides a brief experience of some of the functional effects of capability loss. It can be used to help designers to understand the impact of capability loss on the use of products and services, and thus to identify ways to make them more inclusive. However, it is also important that designers know what levels of loss are simulated, and what proportion of the population have these levels. Previous work examined the impact of the Cambridge Simulation Glasses on the wearer’s distance visual acuity (VA). However, simulation glasses are often used to evaluate products and materials close-up (e.g., held in the hand). Near rather than distance VA is what determines whether visual details are clear and legible at these smaller distances. With a sample of 16, the new study examines both distance VA and near VA, and uses a more precise test chart, with lines spaced 0.05 logMAR apart. The results are compared with those from previous studies, and with standard definitions of mild, moderate and severe visual impairment. This provides a better understanding of the effect of the glasses and informs their use in design. Possible sources of variation between the studies are discussed and further work is proposed.