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Frequency, course, and impact of correctable visual impairment (uncorrected refractive error)
Julie Schneider1, Stephen R Leeder, Bamini Gopinath
1Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|September 21, 2010
Summary
Correctable visual impairment (CVI) is a major global health issue, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Further research is needed to understand its impact on quality of life and inform health policy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of visual impairment, prioritized by the WHO Vision 2020.
- Traditional terms like 'presenting visual impairment' (PVI) encompassed both correctable and non-correctable cases.
- Recent literature distinguishes 'correctable visual impairment' (CVI) from 'non-correctable visual impairment' (NCVI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of correctable visual impairment (CVI).
- To identify research gaps concerning CVI's prevalence, barriers to correction, and impact.
- To inform future health policy regarding CVI.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Analysis of existing data on visual impairment classification.
- Identification of research trends and limitations in CVI studies.
Main Results:
- Correctable visual impairment (CVI) is the predominant form of visual impairment globally.
- CVI disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including the elderly, less educated, and rural populations.
- Data on barriers to refractive correction and the specific impacts of CVI remain limited.
Conclusions:
- Research on CVI is in its early stages.
- More detailed studies are required to assess CVI's impact on independent living and quality of life.
- Evidence is needed to justify prioritizing CVI in health policy.
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