Vision rehabilitation: recipients' perceived efficacy of rehabilitation

This survey was conducted to determine the effect on activities of daily living of persons who report that they have received vision rehabilitation.

This study used a clinical sample to gather information from 417 patients. Of the 417, 105 reported receiving vision rehabilitation. The efficacy of rehabilitation was assessed by asking 20 questions about their activities of daily living prior to and after their rehabilitation. A retrospective pretest (post-then-pre) design was used. Paired t tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation.

A significant difference was found for 13 of 20 questions. Difficulty reading ordinary prints in newspapers showed a large effect size (p=0.0005). Difficulty reading the small print in a telephone book showed a large effect size (p=0.0005). Difficulty doing work or hobbies that require one to see up close showed a moderate effect size (p=0.0005). Difficulty finding something on a crowded shelf showed a moderate effect size (p=0.0005). Difficulty figuring out whether bills received are accurate showed a moderate effect size (p=0.0005). Difficulty shaving, styling one's hair, or putting on makeup showed a small effect size (p=0.016). Difficulties seeing and enjoying programs on television showed a moderate effect size (p=0.0005).

Patients with low vision who report having received vision rehabilitation show significant improvements in activities of daily living or specific types of functioning after rehabilitation. Improvement in both near and distance vision activities and in social activities indicates daily functioning was improved and that barriers to activities of daily living were removed.