Impact of Vision Assessment on Functional Needs of Low Vision patients visiting to Tertiary Eye Hospital of Rawalpindi district

Abstract

Background: Low vision remains a major healthcare problem in both developed and developing countries. The growing numbers of the visually impaired who can no longer be treated by optical, medical, or surgical treatments pose a challenge to eye care professionals. LVAs, as part of a complete low vision service, can significantly improve patients’ residual vision permitting them to complete daily life requirements. Objective: The study aims to do visual assessment of low vision patients, to access the functional needs of low vision patients and to find association between functional needs with visual profile and socio-demographics factors of patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Alshifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi. A total 80 low vision patients participated in the study. Data was collected using adapted questionnaire. Then data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Chi-square test of association was applied to examine the association between socio-demographics and vision assessment with functional needs of patients. Results: Out of total 80 patients greater number of male participants 60% were participated in the study as compared to female. The mean age was 35.1 (± 13.3) with a range of 18-60 years. 70% of participants were the offspring of consanguineous marriage. The main cause of low vision was iv nystagmus. The majority of the patients were using spectacles for near and distance. There was improved functional needs (educational needs, social needs and daily life activities) of patients who were utilizing of low vision services. Conclusion: In conclusion, an increase in the awareness of visual deficit. Functional needs were assessed by visual assessment and it showed that who were on regular follow-up and using their proper Low Vision aids had improved functional needs than those who were not availing low vision services. Key words: Low vision, visual impairment, functional needs, vision assessment