The Optometric Management of the Child with Low Vision

ABSTRACT In recent years, optometrists have taken a greater interest in paediatric optometry, yet the optometric management of the child with low vision has received little attention. Optometrists have the fundamental training, clinical expertise and attitudes to manage the paediatric low vision patient effectively. Although visually handicapped children receive specialist medical care from birth or at a very early age, referral to other low vision services frequently does not occur until the child enters the education system. Optometrists in private practice can bridge the gap between medicine and education and improve the quality of paediatric low vision care by understanding the rationale for improvement of efficiency in visual functioning and developing a sincere commitment to extending their involvement with these children beyond the provision of low vision aids.     

Iowa's pediatric low-vision services.

BACKGROUND: Reports in the literature concerning best practice for the evaluation and management of children with visual impairments are limited, with a resulting lack of information concerning the potential for optimizing vision to enhance general development and assist with the educational needs of this population. METHOD: The development of a multidisciplinary approach to provide low-vision services for children with visual impairment has occurred over the past 18 years in Iowa. In that time, 1,348 children from around the state of Iowa have been evaluated through an itinerant low-vision service program, coordinated by the Iowa Braille School. RESULTS: A low-vision clinic model--designed to provide services (primarily) for academic students--was not meeting the needs of the pediatric low-vision population in the state. After a statewide review of the program, changes were made that have resulted in low-vision services being provided to a greater and more diverse number of students. The roles of the various members of the multidisciplinary team will be reviewed. Changes in large-print orders and use by special education teachers in the state as a direct result of the low-vision services will also be discussed. CONCLUSION: Ongoing, comprehensive multidisciplinary low-vision services--including optometric low-vision care as a key component--are necessary to help children with visual impairments meet their educational, vocational, and avocational needs. With ongoing low-vision services, unnecessary costs such as those associated with large-print materials can be reduced, thereby creating significant savings to local, state, and federal special educational services.     

Retinitis pigmentosa: visual function and multidisciplinary management

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a leading cause of blindness and visual disability in younger people. Optometrists have a major role in detecting RP and in reducing the visual disability associated with RP. This review summarises the literature relating to visual function in people with RP, with particular attention given to night‐blindness, visual acuity decrease and visual field contraction. The range of low vision aids available for people with RP is reviewed and suggestions given on aids that have been found to be most successful. Most importantly, this review overviews the range of services available to people with RP and emphasises how optometrists need to work with a network of professionals to ensure the best possible visual outcomes for people with RP. Particular mention is made of current findings relating to orientation and mobility training, driving, sensory substitution and adaptive technology. The modern optometrist needs to be aware of the multiple needs of people with RP and have the ability to link them with the professionals best able to help them.     

Needs analysis for teachers of the visually impaired

The needs of educators dealing with low vision children were assessed by use of a mailed questionnaire. Teachers of the visually impaired (VH) of the Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County, and Long Beach City districts comprised the sample population. Analysis of the results revealed unmet needs in the following areas: teachers' knowledge in use of low vision aids, lack of low vision assessment by vision care specialists for their students, difficulty with adequacy of eye reports, and lack of communication with their students' eye care specialists. Recommendations are made for improvement of these problem areas.     

Perspectives on low vision service in Canada: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: A review of the literature and current practice patterns for vision rehabilitation care in Canada provide a basis for this pilot study, which was undertaken to explore related issues from the perspectives of older adults and low vision service providers. The pilot study was overseen by a number of collaborators whose names are listed at the end of this paper. METHODS: Thirty people aged 60 years or older who had vision impairments and were clients of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind were surveyed by telephone. Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians completed a mail questionnaire. Vision rehabilitation practitioners and nurses, ophthalmic technicians, and service providers for low vision technical aids were surveyed by e-mail. RESULTS: Ophthalmologists are a primary source of referrals to low vision services, but low functional vision does not always trigger such referrals, nor are referrals always timely. Optometrists are primary providers of low vision services, including dispensing of low vision aids, but such aids are expensive, and inadequate training in their use may contribute to noncompliance. Costs associated with providing low vision assessments and services are higher than compensation to vision service providers, whose capacity to meet increasing demand is limited. In addition, there are disparities between rural and urban areas and among provinces in the availability of, and funding for, services and aids. INTERPRETATION: On the basis of the findings, an emergent theory is proposed on the consequences resulting from lack of planning and standards for vision rehabilitation care. The implications of this study form the basis for further research.     

Evaluation and Modification of Low Vision Aids

ABSTRACT Many optical appliances provided for 2. the low vision patient are selected from a limited range of aids made available to the profession in Australia through local distributors. There is evidence to support the view that some of these aids have not been designed with the geriatric low vision patient in mind. The versatility and usefulness of some aids can be improved by means of relatively minor modifications. It is suggested that such modifications will provide the practitioner with a freedom to prescribe specifically for the patient. This is preferable to selecting the most suitable aids from a predetermined array followed by counselling the patient on ways of obtaining maximum benefit from them. It is anticipated that such an approach to low vision care will result in a simpler instruction code for the patient and a minimum of after care.     

Paediatric Low Vision – A Survey

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of a survey conducted at a paediatric low vision clinic, of all children examined in the eight year period 1974 to 1981. The data provide a unique opportunity to identify the ophthalmic characteristics of children with low vision. The major cause of low vision in these children has been identified, examined and compared with the results of similar studies. Other characteristics studied are distance and near vision, the type of low vision aids used and the nature of primary education undertaken by the children. The results are discussed to provide information to improve paediatric low vision care.     

不同程度视力残疾儿童应用助视器康复的研究

目的对有残余视力的视力残疾儿童在给予光学和电子助视器康复后进行远、近视力的分析和效果评估,探讨不同程度视力残疾患儿有效的康复手段及其对低视力康复对象范围界定的影响。方法对盲校及低视力门诊共206名4～14周岁（含14岁）视力残疾儿童按视力残疾的程度进行分组,比较应用国产4倍、6倍望远镜前后远视力和应用国产眼镜式助视器、国产简易电子助视器后两种助视器间阅读成功率的差异。远视力康复结果采用秩和检验,近视力康复结果采用卡方检验进行统计学分析。结果视力0．05以下至眼前指数的盲童组和0．3以下至0．05的低视力组应用远用助视器前后远视力差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;视力0．05以下至光感的肓童和低视力儿童分别使用眼镜式近用助视器与简易电子助视器后,两种助视器间阅读成功率的差异均有统计学意义,使用简易电子助视器的阅读成功率均明显高于使用眼镜式近用助视器。结论助视器康复的对象可以从低视力范围扩展到0．01甚至以下的盲童。低视力助视器是视力残疾儿童视觉康复有效和必要的手段,早期视觉康复特别是使用简易电子助视器进行近视力阅读的康复,对视力残疾儿童提高学习认知能力、促进身心健康成长和回归社会具有重要意义。     

Vision-specific health-related quality of life in age-related maculopathy patients presenting for low vision services

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation for age-related maculopathy (ARM) patients and its impact on vision-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, before a multi-site clinical trial can be conducted, appropriate outcome measures need to be identified for ARM patients who seek out low vision rehabilitation, including a vision-specific HRQoL instrument. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was developed to assess vision-specific HRQoL for low vision patients, including those with ARM. This study examines the performance of the NEI VFQ-25 among ARM patients who seek out low vision services and examines its relationship with visual acuity and self-reported use of low vision aids. One hundred and twenty-seven patients were recruited from a University-affiliated low vision clinic. During two telephone interviews, subjects completed the NEI VFQ-25 and a short cognitive test and provided information on general health and use of low vision aids. Additional information on visual acuity and eye health were collected from the medical record. Our results indicate that ARM patients who seek out low vision services report significant impairment in their vision-specific HRQoL. Their NEI VFQ-25 scores were lower compared to other ARM and low vision rehabilitation samples previously studied. The VFQ subscales with the largest deficits were near and distance visual acuities and psychosocial issues (near vision, distance vision, role difficulties, dependency, social functioning, mental health). These subscale scores were lower for those with greater visual acuity impairment. The VFQ subscale scores most impacted by the disease had wide variability and were higher for those who used low vision aids, suggesting that the NEI VFQ-25 is suitable for measuring further decline and treatment-related improvements. Thus, it should be strongly considered for a multi-site clinical trial on the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation.     

Vision-specific health-related quality of life in age-related maculopathy patients presenting for low vision services

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation for age-related maculopathy (ARM) patients and its impact on vision-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, before a multi-site clinical trial can be conducted, appropriate outcome measures need to be identified for ARM patients who seek out low vision rehabilitation, including a vision-specific HR QoL instrument. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was developed to assess vision-specific HRQoL for low vision patients, including those with ARM. This study examines the performance of the NEI VFQ-25 among ARM patients who seek out low vision services and examines its relationship with visual acuity and self-reported use of low vision aids. One hundred and twenty-seven patients were recruited from a University-affiliated low vision clinic. During two telephone interviews, subjects completed the NEI VFQ-25 and a short cognitive test and provided information on general health and use of low vision aids. Additional information on visual acuity and eye health were collected from the medical record. Our results indicate that ARM patients who seek out low vision services report significant impairment in their vision-specific HRQoL. Their NEI VFQ-25 scores were lower compared to other ARM and low vision rehabilitation samples previously studied. The VFQ subscales with the largest deficits were near and distance visual acuities and psychosocial issues (near vision, distance vision, role difficulties, dependency, social functioning, mental health). These subscale scores were lower for those with greater visual acuity impairment. The VFQ subscale scores most impacted by the disease had wide variability and were higher for those who used low vision aids, suggesting that the NEI VFQ-25 is suitable for measuring further decline and treatment-related improvements. Thus, it should be strongly considered for a multi-site clinical trial on the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation.     

Medicare coverage for vision assistive equipment

Vision loss that cannot be corrected medically, surgically, or by refractive means is considered low vision. Low vision often results in impairment of daily activities, loss of independence, increased risk of fractures, excess health care expense, and reduced physical functioning, quality of life, and life expectancy. Vision rehabilitation can enable more independent functioning for individuals with low vision. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recognizes the importance of rehabilitation for achieving medically necessary goals but has denied Medicare coverage for vision assistive equipment that is necessary to complete these goals, although they provide coverage for assistive equipment to provide compensation for other disabilities. We believe that this is discriminatory and does not comport with congressional intent. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should provide coverage for vision assistive equipment, allowing beneficiaries with vision loss to benefit fully from Medicare-covered rehabilitation to achieve the cost-effective results of these services.     

Use and non-use of low vision aids by visually impaired children

The results of this study indicated that children do use and benefit from low vision aids and that the child's need for near low vision aids can be predicted from their age, unmagnified reading performance, and visual field characteristics. The use of distance monoculars is less easily predicted. However, many visually impaired children both in mainstream special units and in schools for the blind are not being supplied appropriate low vision aids (LVAs). Many have not had an LVA assessment within 1 year and others are experiencing difficulties with LVAs that could be eliminated or reduced.     

Training low vision patients.

The importance of training low vision-patients to use low vision aids is discussed. The team approach is emphasized and the advantages of the additional expertise considered. Specific procedures and techniques are are recommended to enhance the chances for success of the training program and it is concluded that training is an important aspect of follow-up care which should be made an intergral part of low vision care.     

Quebec model for low vision rehabilitation

The increase in longevity (and secondary morbidity) in the Quebec population adds social and financial pressure to society, as it does elsewhere in Canada and in many western countries. This article gives a brief history of the evolution of vision rehabilitation services in Quebec and describes how services are provided for people with low vision throughout the province. Although numerous groups, associations, centres, and resources are available to assist people with vision impairments, such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind-Québec, the majority of visual rehabilitation services are provided by government-sponsored rehabilitation centres, namely the Centres régionaux de réadaptation en déficience physique that are located strategically throughout the province. Low vision clinical evaluations in these centres are shared by 36 optometrists throughout the province. Between 5 and 7 ophthalmologists are involved in low vision care, half in university-affiliated hospitals, primarily in Montreal. There may be delays of up to 6 months to be seen in a funded low vision clinic. Statistics obtained from la Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec show that there are approximately 8,000 requests for low vision aids every year, and that 80% of clients retain at least some level of visual function. Services are covered by Medicare and low vision aids are provided at no cost, although ophthalmologists cannot prescribe low vision aids through the Medicare-funded system. We must ensure that the capacity of our system continues to provide adequately for clientele in the future.     

Use of eye care services and need for assistance in the visually impaired.

PURPOSE: To assess the use of eye care services and unmet need for assistance in visually impaired people. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based survey on a sample representing the Finnish population aged 30 years and older. Of the 7979 eligible people, 6645 (83.3%) were both interviewed and had their distance visual acuity (VA) assessed. One hundred forty-seven people were classified as visually impaired (VA < or = 0.25). A home interview included an assessment of the use of eye care services, need for assistance, sociodemographic variables, cognitive functioning, and mobility. Binocular VA for distance was measured with the participants' current spectacles, if any, as a part of a comprehensive health examination. RESULTS: One-half (58%) of visually impaired people had had a recent vision examination and 79% had received some vision rehabilitation services, mainly in form of spectacles (70%). Only one third (31%) had received formal low vision rehabilitation. People with moderate visual impairment (VA 0.1 to 0.25) were less likely to have received low vision rehabilitation, magnifying glasses, or other low vision aids compared with people with severe low vision (VA < 0.1). Furthermore, low cognitive capacity and living in an institution were associated with limited use of vision rehabilitation services. Of the visually impaired people living in the community, 71% reported need for assistance and 24% of them had unmet need for assistance in everyday activities. Although need for assistance was more common in people with severe low vision (83% vs. 67%, p = 0.09), unmet need for assistance seemed to be more common in people with moderate low vision (20% vs. 9%, p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Many visually impaired people, older persons in particular, have not had a recent vision examination and lack adequate low vision rehabilitation. This highlights the need for regular evaluation of vision function in elderly people and for actively supplying information about rehabilitation services.     

Clinical effect of low vision aids

The number of patients with low vision is increasing as life expectancy increases. In addition, the interest and demand for low vision aids are also increasing with improved socioeconomic status and the development of mass media. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the importance of low vision aids. We reviewed the clinical records of 118 patients who visited our low vision clinic more than twice. According to the data analyzed, optic nerve atrophy, retinal degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration were the most common causes of low vision in these patients. The best corrected visual acuities without low vision aids were less than 0.3, but with the help of low vision aids, vision improved to more than 0.4 in 87% of the patients for near vision, and 56% for distant vision. The patients had complained that they could not read books, see a blackboard, recognize a person at a distance, and had other problems because of low vision. However, with the use of low vision aids their satisfaction with their vision rose to 70%. Hand magnifiers, high-powered spectacle lenses, and stand magnifiers were the low vision aids commonly used by people for near vision, while the Galilean telescope and Keplerian telescope were the most popular devices used for distant vision. In conclusion, low vision aids are very helpful devices to patients with low vision.     

Models of low vision care: past,present and future

Over the last 50 years, the concept of a low vision service has changed considerably. It has moved away from just the optometrist or optician dispensing magnifiers, to having a large team working across the health and social/ community care sectors, with voluntary organisations often playing an important role. This paper reviews how low vision rehabilitation services have evolved and what models of low vision care are currently available. It goes on to consider the effectiveness and accessibility of low vision care. Finally it explores what the future might hold for low vision services, to be better prepared for the increase in the number of people with low vision and their evolving needs and what role(s) an optometrist might have within these anticipated developments.     

中国大陆三级医疗机构低视力服务专业人员配置和服务提供情况分析

目的：统计分析我国三级医疗机构低视力服务专业人员配置和服务提供情况，为进一步推进我国低视力医疗康复工作提供参考依据。方法：描述性研究。于2015 年开始对全国提供眼科服务的三级医疗机构通过网上填报的方式进行普查，采用描述性统计方法和χ2检验，对我国三级医疗机构低视力服务专业人员配置和服务提供情况进行系统整理和统计分析。结果：本次调查覆盖全国1 508 家三级医疗机构，其中提供低视力诊疗康复服务的有559 家（37.07%），未提供服务的有949 家（62.93%），各级医疗机构在是否开展低视力康复服务方面差异有统计学意义（χ2=61.94，P<0.001）。在提供服务的机构中，已设立低视力专业门诊的有338家（60.47%），低视力年平均门诊量为964例。从事低视力医疗康复服务专业人员2 993 人，平均每家三级医疗机构有低视力专业医师1.98 人、护士0.46 人、技师0.41 人、辅助人员0.22 人。三级医疗机构以儿童功能性视力康复训练、低视力社区教育宣传和助视器验配为主要低视力服务类型。结论：我国三级医疗机构低视力学科建设亟待加强，专业人员总量偏低、人才梯队建设不完善，服务质量低、服务类型单一，无法满足我国低视力患者全方位的服务需求。     

矫正屈光不正对儿童低视力康复的意义

目的 探讨有屈光不正的低视力儿童戴矫正眼镜后对应用助视器提高视的效果。方法 经散瞳验光 后视力有提高或改善者,予以配镜。然后再应用远用双筒与单筒望镜式助视器。结果 ３５０例中有９００例（占２５％）经验光配镜后视力均有一定程度的提高与改善,在这９０例中不戴镜直接用助视器时,其脱残率（视力提高到０．３以上）为５４．４％,而在戴镜基础上再应用助视器,则脱残率为８３．３％,两者之间差异有着非常显著性意义（     

五所特殊教育学校视障学生视觉损伤及康复情况

目的：分析国内5所特殊教育学校视障学生的视觉损伤及康复现状,了解这些学校视障学生的眼健康状况,探讨影响视障学生视觉康复相关因素及今后工作重点。方法：横断面调查研究。采用WHO 盲及低视力眼检查记录表,对5所特殊教育学校视障班学生进行病史采集、视力检查、裂隙灯显微镜检查、医学验光及助视器验配。采用2003年世界卫生组织制定的视觉损伤分级诊断标准。采用 Wilcoxon符号秩和检验对数据进行分析。结果：共筛查视障学生330例（660眼）,其中可避免盲及低视力有170例（51.5%）,难避免盲及低视力有115例（34.8%）,因筛查条件受限不能确定45例（13.7%）。 324例视障学生中（除去6例不配合视力检查）,93例（28.7%）学生屈光矫正后视力有所提高,双眼中较好眼的最佳矫正视力（LogMAR）由1.44升至1.19,屈光矫正前后差异有统计学意义（Z=-3.523, P<0.001）。17例（5.2%）屈光矫正后视觉损伤等级有所下降。122例（37.7%）可验配使用中远助视器提高远视力,128例（39.5%）可验配使用近用助视器提高近视力。在1级、2级及3级视觉损伤的视障学生中,远用助视器验配比例分别达到83.7%、83.3%、65.3%,脱盲率达到17.8%,脱残率达到72.2%;近用助视器验配比例分别达到77.6%、81.3%、77.6%,脱盲率达到22.8%,脱残率达到 81.4%。结论：部分特殊教育学校视障学生尚缺乏系统的眼健康筛查及视觉康复服务,部分视障学生通过屈光矫正及助视器的使用即可有效脱盲、脱残。在特殊教育学校中普及眼健康筛查及助视器的康复使用,可作为今后开展视障学生康复工作的重点内容之一。