Measuring the outcomes of low vision rehabilitation

Purpose: The need for improved outcome measures in healthcare, combined with the increasing prevalence of the low vision population, has prompted the development of a questionnaire approach to assess outcomes of low vision rehabilitation. Methods: A random sample of 56 ARMD patients who had previously attended the low vision clinic at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital were recruited to participate in a pilot study. A questionnaire, which primarily measured the pattern of LVA usage and perceived importance, was administered by direct interview at the patients home. Results: The most frequently prescribed primary aids were illuminated stand magnifiers (48.2%) followed by hand magnifiers (21.4%). After assessment 85.7% of patients achieved ≥N8 near acuity. 87% of the sample reported using their primary magnifier. 59.3% rated their primary magnifier as 'extremely' or 'quite a bit' important. Perceived importance was significantly correlated with frequency of use, the number of tasks the aid was used for and duration of use (p<0.001). Visual acuity with the primary aid was not found to be significantly correlated with perceived importance. Conclusions: While outcomes resulting from more traditional visual function measures are necessary, this study highlights the importance of developing outcomes measured by patients themselves.