Low vision AIDS provision for visually impaired Egyptian patients - a clinical outcome

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate a low vision rehabilitation service implemented for heterogeneously diverse group of Egyptian patients with vision loss in terms of improving their visual performance and fulfilling their visual needs. Methods: Fifty patients with low vision were included in a prospective study. History taking; ophthalmic examination and evaluation of the visual functions were performed for all patients. The required magnification was calculated; and subsequently a low vision aid was chosen after counseling with patients. Low vision aids were tried in office; followedby a period of training before patients received their own low vision aids. Follow up was done for 6 months. Results: All patients who were referred to the low vision unit were not satisfied with their current spectacles or low vision aids. After training and prescription of suitable LVAs; the improvement in distance and near visual acuity wasstatistically significant (p0.001). Fifty-six per cent of the patients (nof the patients (n=27) could discern N8 print size or better. The most commonly used aids were high powered near adds. Despite the complaints about the appearance and use of LVAs; 76of the patients reported being moderately to highly-satisfied with their aids. Conclusions: The significant improvement in the visual performance of patients with low vision after the prescriptionand training on the use of LVAs; associated with patients' satisfaction; confirms the importance of expanding low vision rehabilitative services and increasing the public awareness of its existence and benefits