scholarly journals A retrospective study of causes of visual impairment and use of low vision devices in the low vision clinic in Trinidad and Tobago

Author(s):  
Mahesh Raj Joshi ◽  
Vandana Persad ◽  
Niall Farnon
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Almagati ◽  
Barry S. Kran

The Pandemic of 2020 impacted conducting in-person research. Our proposed project already had an asynchronous online component but was later morphed to add a synchronous online component, thereby eliminating the need for in-person assessment. The project compares the results of various tests between a group of children with Cerebral Visual Impairments (CVI) (N = 4) and an age-matched sample of children without CVI (N = 3) from a pediatric low vision clinic. This model was trialed with a small convenient sample of typically developing children in the same age range (N = 4). Given the positive feedback, recruitment for the larger study was done via encrypted e-mail rather than through traditional mailing. The asynchronous components included recruitment, pre-assessment information, the Flemish CVI questionnaire, Vineland-3 comprehensive parent questionnaire for assessment of age equivalent, and vision function tests, such as contrast sensitivity. The synchronous components were administered via Zoom telehealth provided by necoeyecare.org and included assessment of visual acuity via the Freiburg Visual Acuity and Contrast Test (FrACT) electronic software and assessment of visual perceptual batteries via the Children’s Visual Impairment Test for developmental ages 3–6-years (CVIT 3–6). Our virtual testing protocol was successful in the seven participants tested. This paper reviews and critiques the model that we utilized and discusses ways in which this model can be improved. Aside from public health considerations during the pandemic, this approach is more convenient for many families. In a broader perspective, this approach can be scaled for larger N studies of rare conditions, such as CVI without being confined by proximity to the researcher.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 258
Author(s):  
Sivagami Nachiappan ◽  
Annamalai Odayappan ◽  
Tiruvengadakrishnan Nirmala Devi ◽  
Girish Velis ◽  
Priya Sivakumar

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-21
Author(s):  
Kishore Sapkota ◽  
Sagar Rajkarnikar ◽  
Bina Shrestha ◽  
Shyam Panthi ◽  
Archana Pokharel

Introduction: Visual impairment (VI) in children accounts for great challenge in the life of children that leads to greater medical, psychological, social and economic problems since the child has to live up with handicap for many years to come. Identifying the main causes of visual degradation and their pattern will help in preventive measures, early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to find out the pattern of visual impairment in children attending low vision clinic of Nepal Eye Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross--sectional review of hospital records of all VI children att ending the low vision clinic from 1st May 2010 to 31st April 2011 with age less than 16 years was done. Results: Overall, 65 children were included in this study with mean age 11.58±3.83 years. Among them 55.4% were male. More than one third (34%) of the total children were in the category of blindness. More than two thirds (72.30%) patients had refractive error. Majority of the patients (66.15%) had multiple causes of visual impairment. Major causes of visual impairment were nystagmus (58.46%), high refractive error (26.15%) and amblyopia (24.61%). Low vision devices were prescribed for only 18.46% of the total patients. Telescope was the most frequently prescribed low vision optical device. Conclusion: Nystagmus, high refractive error and amblyopia were the main causes of VI. Most of the cases had multiple causes. Low vision devices were prescribed for very few of the visual impaired patients and telescope was the most frequently prescribed among them. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v10i2.6458Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital July-Dec 2011 10(2) 18-21


1965 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 275-277
Author(s):  
Austin Lowrey
Keyword(s):  

2021 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110466
Author(s):  
Alexandra Hollo ◽  
Carla B. Brigandi ◽  
Casey M. Jelsema ◽  
Mingming Shi

Introduction: Disability simulation activities are commonly used for various purposes in higher education; however, instructors may be unaware of controversies regarding their use. The purpose of this research was to assess the effects of an activity using low vision goggles to simulate visual impairment in the context of an undergraduate course in special education. We highlight the need for instructors to consider the appropriateness of disability simulation activities given possible countertherapeutic effects. Methods: In this cluster-randomized trial, 11 classes (248 students) of preservice education and related services professionals were randomized to experimental (lecture + simulation) or control (lecture only) conditions. During a single class session, all students received basic information about visual impairment and watched a video on being a human guide. Students in the experimental group then practiced guiding and being guided while wearing low vision goggles. At the end of class, students completed three Likert-type surveys and later completed a quiz using publisher-developed materials. Results: Results showed individuals in the experimental group reported higher levels of interest and enjoyment than those in the control condition; however, there were no statistically significant differences in attitudes toward persons with visual impairments, confidence or self-efficacy for working with students with visual impairments, content knowledge, or perceptions of activity usefulness. Discussion: Findings of positive engagement in the absence of harmful effects indicate that disability simulation activities should be neither promoted nor denigrated wholesale; instead, instructors must weigh carefully potential benefits and drawbacks. Discussion includes considerations for professional education programs in using such simulations to promote skill acquisition via positive and respectful learning experiences. Implications for practitioners: Instructors who use disability simulation activities are encouraged to consider whether to discontinue this practice or incorporate principles recommended by the disability community and assess outcomes to ensure they are not perpetuating harmful stereotypes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo ◽  
Harriette Osafo-Agyei ◽  
Ralph E.U. Akpalaba ◽  
James Addy ◽  
Elizabeth O. Ovenseri

Patients’ perspectives on the impact of clinical interventions have been recognised as critical elements in patient care. Quality-of-life instruments are designed to measure these perspectives. We used the National Eye Institute’s 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ) to measure the impact of optical low vision devices on the quality of life of 22 low vision patients who obtained and were using low vision devices from a secondary low vision clinic in the Eastern Region, Ghana. The study employed a pre- and post-intervention technique. We found statistically significant improvements in measured visual acuity and NEI VFQ scores in 8 of the 10 domains evaluated. We conclude that optical low vision devices have a positive impact on the quality of life of low vision patients in Ghana.Keywords: low vision; quality of life; visual acuity; visual impairment; Ghana


Author(s):  
Alastair K.O. Denniston ◽  
Philip I. Murray

‘Vision in context’ helps the reader to address the whole patient, to consider the impact of visual impairment on their life and to think more broadly about how they may be supported. It includes issues around the assessment of low vision, registration, support strategies, driving standards and professional standards.


Author(s):  
Aldyfra Luhulima Lukman ◽  
Catherine Bridge ◽  
Stephen John Dain ◽  
Mei-Ying Boon

Australia is one of only two known countries with a safety standard specifying levels of contrast required to provide accessible environments for people with visual impairment. However, these requirements were not developed based on empirical research involving people with vision loss. We investigated whether the level of luminance contrast in Australian accessibility standards, 30%, is adequate for people with visual impairments to detect and identify discrete tactile ground surface indicators over a range of contrasts with the background flooring before contact. We found that the 30% luminance contrast is adequate for people with low vision, although they preferred higher contrast.


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