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Hamed MM, Masoud MA. An Exploratory Assessment of Self-Reported Satisfaction with Infrastructure and Out-of-Home Activities for People with Vision Impairments. Vision (Basel) 2023; 7:58. [PMID: 37756132 PMCID: PMC10535916 DOI: 10.3390/vision7030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to assess the satisfaction levels of people with VI with regard to infrastructure and outdoor activities. Furthermore, this study aims to develop an assessment model for the levels of difficulty in using public transport. METHODS Participants in a standardized survey questionnaire included 74 participants with VI. Three assessment-ordered probit models were estimated based on self-reported responses. RESULTS Estimation results revealed that the use of public transport is extremely difficult for 83.47% of older participants. In addition, 84.2% of people with albinism have extreme difficulty using public transport. Furthermore, 53.98% of people with restricted horizontal and vertical fields face extreme difficulty using public transport. There was dissatisfaction with outdoor activities among 97.40% of people with macular disease. The results show that 51.70% of people with normal or near-normal horizontal visual fields and restricted vertical planes are satisfied with their level of outdoor activity while 72.65% of people with retinal diseases expressed dissatisfaction with the existing infrastructure. CONCLUSION This study revealed that the experiences of people with VI are heterogeneous and depend on their eye condition, access to assistive technology, and socioeconomic characteristics. Results clearly show evidence of heterogeneity among individuals with VI. The combination of horizontal and vertical restrictions yields random parameters, underscoring the heterogeneous experiences of people with VI, influenced by their eye condition and access to assistive devices. Our results have important implications for developing targeted interventions to enhance the mobility of people with VI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M. Hamed
- Engineering Faculty, Civil Engineering Department, Isra University, Queen Alia International Airport Road, Amman 11118, Jordan
| | - Maisaa A. Masoud
- Vision Rehabilitation Center, German Jordanian University, Amman 11180, Jordan;
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Miller A, Crossland MD, Macnaughton J, Latham K. Are wearable electronic vision enhancement systems (wEVES) beneficial for people with age-related macular degeneration? A scoping review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2023. [PMID: 36876427 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible visual impairment in the United Kingdom. It has a wide-ranging detrimental impact on daily living, including impairment of functional ability and quality of life. Assistive technology designed to overcome this impairment includes wearable electronic vision enhancement systems (wEVES). This scoping review assesses the usefulness of these systems for people with AMD. METHODS Four databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL) were searched to identify papers that investigated image enhancement with a head-mounted electronic device on a sample population that included people with AMD. RESULTS Thirty-two papers were included: 18 studied the clinical and functional benefits of wEVES, 11 investigated use and usability and 3 discussed sickness and adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Wearable electronic vision enhancement systems provide hands-free magnification and image enhancement producing significant improvements in acuity, contrast sensitivity and aspects of laboratory-simulated daily activity. Adverse effects were infrequent, minor and spontaneously resolved with the removal of the device. However, when symptoms arose, they sometimes persisted with continued device usage. There are multi-factorial influences and a diversity of user opinions on promotors to successful device use. These factors are not exclusively driven by visual improvement and incorporate other issues including device weight, ease of use and inconspicuous design. There is insufficient evidence of any cost-benefit analysis for wEVES. However, it has been shown that a user's decision to make a purchase evolves over time, with their estimates of cost falling below the retail price of the devices. Additional research is needed to understand the specific and distinct benefits of wEVES for people with AMD. Further patient-centred research should assess the benefits of wEVES in user-led activities when directly compared with alternative coping strategies, allowing professionals and users to make better prescribing and purchasing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Miller
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jane Macnaughton
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Keziah Latham
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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Nguyen X, Koopman J, Genderen MM, Stam HL, Boon CJ. Artificial vision: the effectiveness of the OrCam in patients with advanced inherited retinal dystrophies. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e986-e993. [PMID: 34569160 PMCID: PMC9292690 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the impact of the OrCam MyEye 2.0 (OrCam) on the quality of life and rehabilitation needs in patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or cone‐rod dystrophies (CRD). The OrCam is a wearable low‐vision aid that converts visual information to auditive feedback (e.g. text‐to‐speech, barcode and facial recognition). Methods Patients with a clinical diagnosis of RP (n = 9, 45%) or CRD (n = 11; 55%), and a best‐corrected visual acuity of ≤20/400 Snellen were invited to participate in this study. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and after 5.2 (standard deviation ± 1.5) weeks, which included the Dutch version of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI‐VFQ), the Participation and Activity Inventory (PAI) and the OrCam Function Questionnaire (OFQ). Results Following OrCam testing, significant improvements were observed in the ‘near activities’ subscale of the NEI‐VFQ (p < 0.001); the ‘visual functioning’ subscale of the re‐engineered NEI‐VFQ (p = 0.001); the ‘reading’ rehabilitation goal of the PAI (p = 0.005) and the overall score of the OFQ (p < 0.001). The observed changes in questionnaire scores did not differ between phenotypes. Advantages and limitations of the OrCam were reported by patients. Three patients (15%) continued rehabilitation with the OrCam after completion of this study. Conclusions The OrCam mainly improves reading domains in patients with advanced stages of RP or CRD. Further improvements in the OrCam are needed to address current limitations, which may enhance its utility for patients with RP or CRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan‐Thanh‐An Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Jan Koopman
- Royal Dutch Visio, Centre of Expertise for Blind and Partially Sighted People Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Maria M. Genderen
- Department of Ophthalmology University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands
- Bartiméus, Diagnostic Center for Complex Visual Disorders Zeist The Netherlands
| | - Henk L.M. Stam
- Bartiméus, Diagnostic Center for Complex Visual Disorders Zeist The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J.F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology Amsterdam UMC Academic Medical Center Amsterdam The Netherlands
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Latham K, Subhi H. Can listening provide a useful clinical estimate of low vision reading parameters? Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2022; 42:504-513. [PMID: 35243674 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine whether a clinician can assess critical print size (CPS) and/or reading fluency by listening to a visually impaired patient reading aloud across a range of print sizes on an MNREAD chart, rather than needing to plot and analyse reading speed data as a function of print size. METHODS Fifty-six low vision participants were audio-recorded reading an MNREAD chart under standard conditions. Two experienced raters listened to the recordings and made judgments of the CPS (logMAR), and of the level of reading fluency achieved at large print sizes on a 4-point rating scale. Reading times were plotted as a function of print size to determine the CPS as the smallest print size that supported the participant's maximum reading speed (MRS) by inspection, and the MRS as the mean reading speed across print sizes including, and larger than, the CPS. RESULTS Listened CPS judgments made for each rater were slightly larger than the CPS values obtained by inspection (mean differences 0.04logMAR (p = 0.06), 0.08logMAR (p < 0.01); limits of agreement (LoA) ±0.28logMAR, ±0.39logMAR, respectively). CPS judgments were consistent both between raters (mean difference 0.04logMAR [p = 0.18]; LoA ±0.42logMAR) and between two judgments made by each rater (mean differences 0.00logMAR (p = 1.0), 0.03logMAR (p < 0.05); LoA ±0.23logMAR, ±0.17logMAR). Reading fluency could be categorised as 'functional' (MRS > 80 wpm) or 'non-functional' (MRS < 80 wpm) with a sensitivity of 88%-90% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS Experienced raters listening to a patient reading an MNREAD chart can determine a clinically useful estimate of critical print size and can discriminate maximum reading speeds that are above and below that likely to provide sustained reading ability. Listening to a patient reading an MNREAD chart is an option for the low vision clinician's armoury of assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keziah Latham
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hikmat Subhi
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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Latham K, Macnaughton J. Is patient identification of ‘comfortable’ print size a useful clinical parameter for low vision reading assessment? Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2022; 42:482-490. [DOI: 10.1111/opo.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keziah Latham
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge UK
| | - Jane Macnaughton
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge UK
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Macnaughton J, Vianya-Estopa M, Latham K. Change in rehabilitation needs and activity limitations over time of adults with acquired visual impairment following entry to a low vision rehabilitation service in England. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2022; 42:491-503. [PMID: 35133019 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Longitudinal changes in priority rehabilitation needs, vision-related activity limitation and importance of visual goals were evaluated in a sample of people with a visual impairment over a year following entry to low vision rehabilitation services in England. METHODS Participants were adults with newly registered visual impairment within Leicestershire. Priority scores, indicating the level of rehabilitative need, were determined from the importance and difficulty scores of the 48 goals of the Participation and Activity Inventory (PAI). Rasch analysis of the difficulty and importance scores examined activity limitation and importance separately. PAI outcome measures were assessed on entry to rehabilitation services and at 4 and 12 months thereafter. RESULTS Forty-eight participants (mean age 74.2, SD 14.1 years) completed three visits. Overall, there was a statistically significant reduction in the perceived need for rehabilitation over time (p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.29), driven by reduced perceived difficulty (p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.32) but stable importance (p = 0.73) of goals, with most change occurring between baseline and 4 months. PAI goals with greatest rehabilitative need at study entry were reading, mobility and writing, and these remained of highest priority over time. The greatest priority score decrease was for the goal 'Hobbies and crafts'. The largest decrease in importance was for 'Mobility outdoors', whereas 'Relationship with loved ones' increased most. CONCLUSIONS Despite a decline in the perceived need for rehabilitation over the study period, there remains a need for continued support and intervention at 12 months following registration with rehabilitation services, particularly for the key goals of reading, writing and mobility. Early identification and support for individuals' important but difficult goals could prevent such goals being relinquished. Goals concerning relationships and communication became more important over time, indicating that re-evaluation of needs at follow-up is necessary to inform ongoing service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Macnaughton
- Vision & Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marta Vianya-Estopa
- Vision & Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Keziah Latham
- Vision & Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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Luu W, Kalloniatis M, Bartley E, Tu M, Dillon L, Zangerl B, Ly A. A holistic model of low vision care for improving vision‐related quality of life. Clin Exp Optom 2021; 103:733-741. [DOI: 10.1111/cxo.13054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Luu
- Centre for Eye Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
| | - Michael Kalloniatis
- Centre for Eye Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
| | | | - Megan Tu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
| | - Lisa Dillon
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
- Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Sydney, Australia,
- Injury Division, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia,
| | - Barbara Zangerl
- Centre for Eye Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
| | - Angelica Ly
- Centre for Eye Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,
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Bartlett R, Acton JH, Ryan B, Man R, Pickles T, Nollett C. Training results in increased practitioner confidence and identification of depression in people with low vision: a mixed methods study. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2021; 41:316-330. [PMID: 33590910 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The prevalence of depression in people with low vision is high and often goes undiagnosed. There is the potential for those who provide low vision services to perform concurrent depression screening. However, prior training in depression identification and suitable referral pathways is required. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the impact of a training programme on practitioners' confidence and behaviour in addressing depression in patients with low vision, and (2) to review the training programme and identify areas for further development. METHODS A convergent mixed methods approach was used. Questionnaires were completed by practitioners pre-, immediately post- and 6 months post- training (n = 40) to assess practitioner confidence in approaching depression in patients with low vision. Qualitative interviews were performed with a subset of practitioners 6 months post-training (n = 9). Additionally, routine data from the Low Vision Service Wales (LVSW) database was used to determine the change in the number of practitioners identifying depression in patients, and the change in the number of patients identified at risk of depression 6 months post-training. RESULTS Of the 148 practitioners who completed low vision assessments pre- and post-training, 28 (18.9%) documented risk of depression in their patients pre-training, which increased substantially to 65 (43.9%) post-training (p < 0.0001). Mixed methods analysis confirmed increased documentation of depressive symptoms by practitioners. Practitioner confidence increased following training, with 92.3% feeling more confident to approach emotional issues with patients and 92.2% intending to use the recommended screening tool to identify depression. Interviews provided insight into areas where confidence was still lacking. Quantitative questionnaires revealed that training content was considered appropriate by 91% of participants. Interviews confirmed these findings while expanding upon possibilities for programme improvement. CONCLUSIONS Training for depression screening was found to be time-efficient and acceptable for LVSW practitioners and shown to increase practitioner confidence in the identification of depression. Additionally, the programme changed behaviour, resulting in an increase in the identification of depression in patients with low vision. However, this is a complex topic and ongoing development is required to embed depression screening as an integral part of low vision services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bartlett
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jennifer H Acton
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Barbara Ryan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ryan Man
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Claire Nollett
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Siira H, Elo S, Kyngäs H, Falck A. Well-being Supportive Home Environment of Elderly People with Visual Impairments and Health-related Quality of Life. ACTIVITIES, ADAPTATION & AGING 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2020.1823789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Siira
- Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Research Center and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - S. Elo
- Master School, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Kemi, Finland
| | - H. Kyngäs
- Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - A. Falck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Research Center and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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U.S. Optometrists' Reported Practices and Perceived Barriers for Low Vision Care for Mild Visual Loss. Optom Vis Sci 2020; 97:45-51. [DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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