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Low Vision Aids (low + vision_aid)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Low vision services in South Devon: a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary approach,

OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 4 2004
John Collins
Abstract Since 1994, the Low Vision Service in South Devon has been provided by a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary team. The team comprises of staff from Devon Social Services Sensory Team, Optima Low Vision Services Ltd, Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) Manor House, Devon and Torbay Special Education Services and South Devon Healthcare Trust. In the 9 years of operation this service has been independently audited twice for patient satisfaction levels and compliance level in the use of low vision aids (LVAs). The results of the most recent service audit questionnaire reveal a high and constant patient satisfaction level with 92% of patients who answered the question reporting that the service was sufficient to meet their needs. The number of patients who used LVAs at least weekly was 88% of those answering the question. Plans for the future expansion of the service include the further development of interdisciplinary working. [source]

Low vision service delivery: an audit of newly developed outreach clinics in Northern Ireland,

OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 4 2004
J. Lindsay
Abstract Recent publications recommend that low vision services are multi-professional; easily accessible; freely available to all those with visual impairment; monitored by professional and patient groups, and responsive to user feedback. These standards were applied when developing low vision outreach services in Northern Ireland in 1999/2000. Results are reported of the complete clinical audit cycle, coupled with a patient satisfaction telephone questionnaire, which was used to evaluate the service. Of the 48 patients randomly selected from the list of clinic attendees, 28 (58%) were female, 27 (56%) over 80 years of age and 38 (78%) had a primary ocular diagnosis of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Of the 46 low vision aids issued at patients' first appointments, 30 (67%) were illuminated stand magnifiers and 29 (63%) had magnification levels of ×5 or less. A total of 46 (96%) patients reported that they had benefited from low vision services. [source]

Improvement of reading speed after providing of low vision aids in patients with age-related macular degeneration

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 8 2009
Nhung Xuan Nguyen
Abstract. Purpose:, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe visual impairment, including loss of reading ability, among elderly persons in developed countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate reading ability before and after providing of appropriate low vision aids. Methods:, Five hundred and thirty patients with different stages of AMD (age 82 ± 8 years) were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a standardized ophthalmological examination including evaluation of magnification requirement and careful providing of low vision aids. Before and after the provision of low vision aids, reading speed [words per minute (wpm)] was evaluated using standardized reading texts. Results:, For the whole group, the average best-corrected distance visual acuity of the better eye was 0.18 ± 0.15, with 69% of patients having visual acuity of 0.1 (20/200) or better. The mean magnification requirement was 7.4 ± 6.3-fold (range 2,25). Visual rehabilitation was achieved with optical visual aids in 58% of patients, whereas 42% of patients needed electronically closed-circuit TV systems. Mean reading speed was 20 ± 33 wpm before and increased significantly to 72 ± 35 (p < 0.0001) after the provision of low vision aids for the whole group. Between patients with visual acuity < 0.1 and patients with visual acuity of 0.1 or better, there are highly significant differences in reading speed before (0.4 ± 3.8 versus 20 ± 28 wpm, p , 0.0001) and after providing of visual aids (40 ± 13 versus 84 ± 30 wpm, p , 0.0001). Patients with severe visual impairment (visual acuity , 0.1) showed significantly lower improvement of reading speed compared to patients with visual acuity of 0.1 or better following rehabilitation (p , 0.0001). Before providing of low vision aids, only 16% of patients were able to read; in contrast, reading ability was achieved in 94% of patients after the provision of low vision aids for the whole group. Conclusion:, Our results indicate the great value of low vision rehabilitation through adequate providing of vision aids for the improvement of reading ability, with a highly significant increase of reading speed without training of eccentric viewing in patients with retained central fixation. The prompt implementation of low vision aids in patients with macular degeneration will help them to maintain and regain their reading ability, which can lead to an increase in independence, communication, mental agility and quality of life. [source]