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Use and non-use of low vision aids by visually impaired children
1Department of Optometry, University of Wales College of Cardiff, UK.
Insights
Children benefit from low vision aids (LVAs), with near LVA needs predictable by age and reading ability. However, many visually impaired children lack appropriate LVAs or timely assessments, hindering their access to vision support.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Vision Care
- Low Vision Rehabilitation
Background:
- Visually impaired children require specialized support to maximize their functional vision.
- Low Vision Aids (LVAs) are crucial tools for enhancing the visual capabilities of children with visual impairments.
- Current provision and assessment of LVAs for children may be suboptimal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if children utilize and benefit from low vision aids.
- To identify predictors for the need of near low vision aids in children.
- To assess the current provision and challenges faced by visually impaired children regarding LVAs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of LVA usage and benefits in a pediatric population.
- Statistical modeling to predict the need for near LVAs based on age, unmagnified reading performance, and visual field characteristics.
- Evaluation of LVA assessment frequency and reported difficulties among visually impaired children.
Main Results:
- Children demonstrate utilization and benefit from low vision aids.
- Age, unmagnified reading performance, and visual field characteristics predict the need for near LVAs.
- The prediction of distance monocular use is less straightforward.
- A significant number of visually impaired children do not receive appropriate LVAs or timely assessments.
- Many children experience solvable difficulties with their current LVAs.
Conclusions:
- Low vision aids are beneficial for visually impaired children.
- Predictive factors for near LVA needs can guide provision.
- There are systemic issues in LVA provision and assessment for children, leading to unmet needs and preventable difficulties.
Abstract:
The results of this study indicated that children do use and benefit from low vision aids and that the child's need for near low vision aids can be predicted from their age, unmagnified reading performance, and visual field characteristics. The use of distance monoculars is less easily predicted. However, many visually impaired children both in mainstream special units and in schools for the blind are not being supplied appropriate low vision aids (LVAs). Many have not had an LVA assessment within 1 year and others are experiencing difficulties with LVAs that could be eliminated or reduced.