Clinical Outcomes of Low Vision Rehabilitation Services in a Developing Country

Abstract

Introduction

This study documents the results of the rehabilitation services offered to 1136 persons with vision impairment in Jordan over the period 2012–2020. Information is presented about the causes of visual impairment, functional vision assessment, offered rehabilitation services, functional problems and needs, and recommended low vision devices.

Methods

A retrospective file study was carried out on data of 1136 service users (538 children, 598 adults). The data was classified and analyzed to give descriptive statistics including main cause of low vision; service users’ priorities; visual functions (distance and near visual acuity, reading acuity, contrast sensitivity, peripheral visual field, and color vision); and prescribed low vision devices.

Results

Just under half of service users (n = 498, 43.8%) had moderate visual impairment (0.3 > Visual Acuity ≥ 0.1). Only 8.5% of the files represented individuals who had a binocular visual field of less than 20 degrees in either the vertical or horizontal planes. Near tasks (writing, reading, technology use, and work-related tasks) were reported as the first priority by the majority of the service users (78.9%). Retinal diseases represented the cause of half of low vision cases (n = 568, 50.0%), followed by albinism (n = 83, 7.3%). Among the 1078 assistive low vision devices that were prescribed (first and second choices), near-field devices were prescribed as a first choice (58.01%), then distance devices (12.32%).

Discussion

The findings indicate that retinal diseases are the dominant cause of low vision in this population, the majority of whom needed remediation for near tasks.

Implications for Practitioners

Comprehensive assessment of visual functions that includes visual acuity, reading acuity, visual field, contrast sensitivity, and color vision is essential to provide better rehabilitation and to recommend proper low vision devices. The study reveals to decision makers the importance of planning and developing low vision services.