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Clinical science
Extended reports
Impact of an interdisciplinary low vision service on the quality of life of low vision patients
  1. A Hinds1,
  2. A Sinclair2,
  3. J Park2,
  4. A Suttie3,
  5. H Paterson2,
  6. M Macdonald2
  1. 1Public Health Department, Fife NHS Board, Fife, UK
  2. 2Fife Acute Hospitals Trust, Fife, UK
  3. 3Fife Society for the Blind, Fife, UK
  1. Correspondence to: Dr Alison Hinds Chief Scientist Office, St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG, UK; alison.hindsscotland.gsi.gov.uk

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the impact of an interdisciplinary low vision service on the vision related quality of life of service users.

Methods: 71 patients were interviewed 2 weeks before their appointment with the service and again 6 months later to assess any changes in their vision related quality of life. The majority of these patients had age related macular degeneration.

Results: After contact with the service the majority of patients indicated a reduction in concern about most quality of life issues. They were significantly less anxious about deterioration of their vision, safety within the home, and coping with everyday life.

Conclusion: Improvements in many areas of their vision related quality of life indicate that this interdisciplinary low vision service has a positive impact on the lives of service users. However many patients were still unable to carry out their preferred everyday activities, and feelings of loneliness and isolation were unchanged. The identification of issues unrelieved by input from the service will be important in planning future service delivery.

  • quality of life
  • low vision

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.87.11.1391

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    Footnotes

    • Part of this paper was presented at the International Conference on Low Vision, New York, 1999.

    • Funding: Grants from Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and financial support from the Royal Blind Asylum and School.

    • Proprietary interests: none.