An inconspicuous, integrated electronic travel aid for visual impairment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Alain Boldini ◽  
Andy L. Garcia ◽  
Marc Sorrentino ◽  
Mahya Beheshti ◽  
Okpe Ogedegbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Obstacle Detection ◽  
Electroactive Materials ◽  
Guide Dogs ◽  
White Cane ◽  
Strong Deterrent ◽  
Critical Aspects

Abstract With a globally aging population, visual impairment is an increasingly pressing problem for our society. This form of disability drastically reduces the quality of life and constitutes a large cost to the health care system. Mobility of the visually impaired is one of the most critical aspects affected by this disability, and yet it relies on low-tech solutions, such as the white cane and guide dogs. However, many avoid solutions entirely. In part, reluctance to use these solutions may be explained by their obtrusiveness, which is also a strong deterrent for the adoption of many new devices. In this paper, we leverage new advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor systems, and soft electroactive materials toward an electronic travel aid with an obstacle detection and avoidance system for the visually impaired. The travel aid incorporates a stereoscopic camera platform, enabling computer vision, and a wearable haptic device that can stimulate discrete locations on the user's abdomen to signal the presence of surrounding obstacles. The proposed technology could be integrated into commercial backpacks and support belts, thereby guaranteeing a discreet and unobtrusive solution.

scholarly journals Daily functioning, problem solving and satisfaction for quality of life in visually impaired old persons

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa M. Sgaramella ◽  
Laura Nota ◽  
Loredana Carrieri ◽  
Salvatore Soresi ◽  
Giovanni Sato
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Substantial Contribution ◽  
Total Blindness ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAim:The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of several dimensions of functioning on satisfaction for quality of life (QoL) experienced by visually impaired older adults.Participants:A sample of 58 older adults (37 women and 21 men) was involved in the study. Their age ranged from 50 to 88 years (M=68.95, SD=1.51). They were characterized by visual impairment of different origin and visual acuity (VA) ranging from 4/10 to total blindness. The QoL questionnaire was used along with short form-12 health Survey, the National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire-25 and problem solving inventory (PSI) which analyzes problem solving appraisal.Results:A stepwise regression analysis was conducted in order to find predictors of satisfaction for QoL. A contribution of mental and physical health, more specifically, of problem solving appraisal was found.Conclusion:Results support the notion that the functional relationship between visual impairment and satisfaction for QoL must be understood in terms of approaches that incorporate psychological and socio-cognitive elements. Problem solving appraisal, in fact, makes a substantial contribution to the prediction of variance in life satisfaction and it may play an important role for intervention strategies.

Nursing advice for owners of a visually impaired dog

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 204-209
Author(s):  
Amber Foote
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Client Education

Dogs are often presented in first opinion practice with visual impairment resulting from a variety of acute and progressive diseases or trauma. Visual impairment and blindness in dogs can be distressing for both the patient and the owner, and registered veterinary nurses can provide guidance and support on the adjustments needed to allow the patient to have a good quality of life. This article will discuss the disease processes, treatment options and client education for canine blindness.

Portable Braille Reader

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pranay Jain ◽  
Anshul Singhal ◽  
P. V. M. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Visual Stimuli ◽  
The State ◽  
Regular Paper ◽  
Braille Reader ◽  
Education And Employment ◽  
Printed Materials

Partial or complete visual impairment, congenital or adventitious, hampers an individual’s visual stimuli perception ability. For reading, the visually impaired primarily rely on Braille, a script read through touch. Its 6-dot and 8-dot configurations have been adapted for use with different languages, making it popular around the globe. However, regular paper, embossed with Braille using manual Braille slates or electronic Braille embossers, loses readability due to damage with each tactile reading. Braille books and other printed materials, usually bulky and expensive, hence go waste after three to five readings. This degrades the state of education and employment and the quality of life in general because reading, a primary necessity, turns expensive, and in some cases, unaffordable.

scholarly journals Daily activities of employed persons with visual impairment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amila Jaganjac ◽  
Amra Mačak Hadžiomerović ◽  
Bakir Katana ◽  
Namik Trtak ◽  
Eldad Kaljić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Visually Impaired People ◽  
Impaired People ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons

Introduction: The challenges faced by visually impaired people in their efforts to integrate themselves into the labor market and the general position of persons with disabilities, regarding their employment and social security, is extremely difficult. Employment is the best safeguard against social exclusion and one of the main ways to achieve a full involvement in the society of the visually impaired people.Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 25 visually impaired people employed at “TMP” d.o.o. Sarajevo. The study was used as a cross-sectional survey method wherein data were collected through appropriate survey instruments, using a modified survey questionnaire.Results: Out of the total number of respondents, 48% are male and 52% are female. The majority of respondents use other persons’ assistance when moving (n = 16). The largest number of respondents had 100% visual impairment (n = 17). The majority of subjects have no strenuous physical activity. The largest number of respondents during the previous week walked for at least 10 minutes, in the sequence of all 7 days and was driven in motor vehicles. When doing household chores, 56% of respondents said they had no difficulty. The most common difficulties in recreation, sports and physical activity in leisure time, that were encountered by 32% of respondents, are poor sound signalling and difficulties of visual nature, though 68% of respondents said that they had no difficulty in their recreational activities.Conclusion: The daily activities of employed visually impaired persons have a positive impact on their quality of life. Various are occupations of visually impaired people that improve their quality of life.

scholarly journals The influence of sociodemographic characteristics on vision-related quality of life in visually impaired patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 27-33
Author(s):  
Ernest Ikechukwu Ezeh ◽  
Bassey Archibong Etim ◽  
Bassey Edet ◽  
Roseline Nkeiruka Ezeh ◽  
Roseline Ekanem Duke
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Monthly Income ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Rural Dwellers

Objectives: Self-reported vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) allows us to assess the effect of disease and treatments from the patient’s perspective, focusing on an individual’s subjective satisfaction and functional ability. The previous studies mostly focused on the impact of visual function deficits on VRQOL in patients with visual impairment. This study seeks to investigate the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on VRQOL in visually impaired patients. Material and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included consecutive adult patients with visual impairment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital eye clinic. All patients had presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better eye. VRQOL was assessed by the validated English version 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics and ocular parameters were recorded. Sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated based on age, sex, area of residence, marital status, religion, educational attainment, and monthly income. Each characteristic was stratified into groups or levels. Analysis of variance, including post hoc analysis was used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and VRQOL. Results: A total of 270 patients were enrolled. After adjustments for category and causes of visual impairment, older age (P < 0.001), rural dwellers (P < 0.001), widowhood (P = 0.006), and no formal education (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with low mean visual function (VF) scores. Similarly, older age (P < 0.001), rural dwellers (P < 0.001), widowhood (P = 0.003), and no formal education (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with low mean QOL scores. The difference in the mean score of VF and QOL by religion, sex, and monthly income was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Besides the degree of visual impairment, the interplay of certain social and demographic factors plays a remarkable role in determining the QOL in visually impaired patients. Therefore, an individualized management plan, including psychosocial therapy is imperative in the care of visually impaired patients.

Vision Rehabilitation and Aging

1986 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-804
Author(s):  
Alan R. Morse ◽  
Dagmar B. Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Aged Population ◽  
Vision Rehabilitation ◽  
Year 2000 ◽  
Vision Care

Approximately two million Americans estimated to have severe visual impairment could be helped by services not readily available through the nation's vision care system. Ophthalmologists do not routinely suggest low vision services to their severely visually impaired patients that could help prevent deterioration in the quality of life. Many patients with limited vision go unidentified and untreated. This is particularly true for those over 65 whose numbers are rising and who are experiencing more low vision problems than any other age group. Significant visual impairment occurs in more than 25 percent of the aged population in general, and more than 12 percent of the population over age 65 are legally blind. Approximately 990,000 elderly had severe visual impairment in 1977, and by the year 2000, this number will rise to 1,760,000. As the aged population increases, so does the need for low vision services.

Visual Function and Quality of Life Among Visually Impaired and Cataract Operated Adults. The Pakistan National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey

2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 242-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy E. Taylor ◽  
Shaheen P. Shah ◽  
Clare E. Gilbert ◽  
Mohammad Z. Jadoon ◽  
Rupert R.A. Bourne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Visually Impaired

scholarly journals An analysis of the impact of visual impairment on activities of daily living and vision-related quality of life in a visually impaired adult population

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabila Jones ◽  
Hannah Elizabeth Bartlett ◽  
Richard Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
The Impact

Previous research has shown that people with visual impairment are more likely to be malnourished and have reported to have difficulty shopping for, preparing, and eating food. They are also reported to have a poor quality of life. The present study aims to investigate the impact of visual impairment on activities of daily living and Vision-Related Quality of Life (VR-QoL) in a sample of adults with visual impairment who are living in the United Kingdom. A 37-question survey evaluating the nutritional status and the activities of daily living, cooking and shopping, was disseminated to adults with visual impairment who were 18 years and older. VR-QoL was also assessed using the validated, Questionnaire of Vision-Related Quality of Life Measure (VCM1). Participants reported that being visually impaired made it difficult to shop for, prepare, and cook meals, and this correlated significantly with level of visual impairment. The VCM1 score of ⩾2.1 was reported by 74% of people with visual impairment revealing VR-QoL is more than a little of a concern for most of the participants. The mean VCM1 score for females was 2.9 ± 0.98 and 2.5 ± 1.1 for males. Level of visual impairment was not found to influence the VCM1 scores. This indicates even those with visual impairment below the level required for sight impairment registration report a reduced VR-QoL. It is the responsibility and duty of society to support people with visual impairment or other disabilities rather than blaming them for not ‘integrating’. Among other things, this can be done by incorporating norms into the marketing. These norms might help to raise and increase the awareness of suppliers to the needs of consumers with visual impairment. Furthermore, such norms may contribute to our ongoing efforts for a more inclusive and accessible environment.

Widening the horizons: Information space of the library for the blind as the resource to improve quality of life of visually impaired people

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Novikova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Continuing Education ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Information Space ◽  
Advanced Training ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Visually Impaired People ◽  
Impaired People ◽  
Special Library

The special library acts as the cultural and educational center for visually impaired people, and as the center for continuing education. The multifunctional performance of the library is substantiated. The joint projects accomplished in cooperation with theatres and museums and aimed at integrating the visually impaired people into the society are described. Advanced training projects for the library professionals accomplished in 2018 are discussed.

scholarly journals Prevalence and 11-year incidence of common eye diseases and their relation to health-related quality of life, mental health, and visual impairment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petri K. M. Purola ◽  
Janika E. Nättinen ◽  
Matti U. I. Ojamo ◽  
Seppo V. P. Koskinen ◽  
Harri A. Rissanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Eye Diseases ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Purpose To study the prevalence and incidence of the most common eye diseases and their relation to health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, psychological distress, and visual impairment in the aging population of Finland. Methods Our study was based on two nationwide health surveys conducted in 2000 and 2011. Eye disease status data were obtained from 7379 and 5710 individuals aged 30 + years, of whom 4620 partook in both time points. Both surveys included identical indicators of HRQoL (EuroQol-5 Dimension [EQ-5D], 15D), depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]), psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12 [GHQ-12]), visual acuity, and self-reported eye diseases. We assessed the impact of known eye diseases on these factors, adjusted for age, gender, and co-morbidities. Results Prevalence of self-reported eye diseases was 3.1/2.7% for glaucoma, 8.1/11.4% for cataract, and 3.4/3.8% for retinal degeneration in 2000 and 2011, and the average incidence between 2000 and 2011 was 22, 109, and 35 /year/10,000 individuals, respectively. These eye diseases were associated with a significant decrease in EQ-5D and 15D index scores in both time points. BDI and GHQ-12 scores were also worsened, with some variation between different eye diseases. Impaired vision was, however, the strongest determinant of declined HRQoL. During the 11-year follow-up the effect of eye diseases on HRQoL and mental health diminished. Conclusion Declined HRQoL associated with eye diseases is more related to impaired vision than the awareness of the disease itself, and this declining effect diminished during the follow-up. Therefore, information directed to the public on the risks and prevention of blindness can and should be strengthened to prevent the deleterious effects of visual impairment.

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