Social Support and Self-esteem among Adolescents with Visual Impairments

The social support and self-esteem of 115 adolescents with visual impairments (who were blind or had low vision) who attended mainstream Finnish schools and a control group of 607 sighted classmates of 66 visually impaired adolescents were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. The study found that the self-esteem of the sighted and visually impaired adolescents did not differ and that relationships with friends significantly contributed to the enhancement of the self-esteem of the adolescents with visual impairments.

Visual training and emotional state of people with retinitis pigmentosa

The purpose of the study was to improve the visual functioning of people with restriction in contrast sensitivity (CS), such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), by means of a visual training program. Twenty-six volunteers with RP participated, distributed in two groups: 15 who made up the experimental group (who received the training program) and 11 who participated as a control group (without training). Participants were evaluated before beginning training, on completion, and 3 mo following completion for CS with the Pelli-Robson Contrast Sensitivity (P&R) test, visual functioning with the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ), and in emotional state with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The training program is based on software that generates luminous stimuli of varying duration and intensity and registers the stimuli perceived by the subject. The outcomes showed significant differences posttraining in the experimental group in depression (F1,14 = 5.42; p < 0.04), VFQ (Z = -2.27; p < 0.02), and P&R in the right eye (Z = -1.99; p < 0.046) and left eye (Z = -2.30; p < 0.02) but not in binocular (Z = -0.96; p < 0.34). The outcomes showed that the experimental group made significant progress in all variables and these effects remained after 3 mo, which suggests that the program could be a helpful addition to RP rehabilitation and help mitigate the damage.

Understanding the expectations of patients with inherited retinal dystrophies

BACKGROUND

UK genetic ophthalmology services for patients with retinal dystrophy (RD) are variable. Little research exists to define service requirements, or expectations, of patients and their families. This study aimed to explore the views and perceived benefits of genetic ophthalmology services among members of families with RD.

METHODS

Twenty participants with known RD mutations were recruited through UK genetic ophthalmic clinics. Semistructured qualitative interviews explored interviewees' perceptions of the role of these services. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Interviewees' expectations and requirements of genetic ophthalmology services were wide-ranging and often perceived to be unmet. Participant expectations were classified in three groups: (1) Medical expectations included obtaining a diagnosis and information about disease/prognosis, genetic risks and research (2) Psychosocial expectations related to participants' need for support in adjusting to RD (3) Practical expectations included the desire for information about welfare and support.

CONCLUSIONS

Expectations of RD families for clinical services are complex, encompassing a range of healthcare specialties. Services that align to these expectations will need to reach beyond the diagnostic arena and provide practical and psychosocial support. The identification of measurable outcomes will facilitate future development and evaluation of service delivery models. Many of the expectations identified here map to an existing, previously validated, outcomes framework for clinical genetic services. However, an additional outcome domain, labelled 'Independence' was also identified; this could either be specific to vision loss or relate generally to disability caused by genetic conditions.

Psychological and educational recommendations for working with young people with Retinitis Pigmentosa

This article reviews the consequences of Retinitis Pigmentosa, a retinal degenerative disease with progressive reduction of the visual field, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and night blindness. Retinitis Pigmentosa is addressed from both a psychological and an educational standpoint, focusing on the impact on learning, emotional well-being, and the social relationships of young people and adolescents. We examine problems affected people have to face and offer suggestions and strategies to professionals working with individuals and family members.

Multi-disciplinary low vision care

Case reports for three patients with low vision due to different ocular diseases are presented. In each case, a different rehabilitation professional was the main provider of the low vision care needed to meet the patient's goals. However, in all cases the patients benefited from the services of a range of professionals, agencies or groups for visually impaired people. The importance of defining patients' specific goals, referral to multi-disciplinary low vision services and regular reviews of vision and visual tasks is highlighted.