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Updated: May 18, 2026
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A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision
Published on: February 11, 2014
VA LOVIT II: a protocol to compare low vision rehabilitation and basic low vision.
Joan A Stelmack1, Xiaoyin C Tang, Domenic J Reda
1Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA. joan.stelmack@med.va.gov
Summary
This study compares low vision rehabilitation (LVR) with basic low vision (LV) services for patients with macular disease. LVR involves therapy sessions to improve vision device use and remaining vision skills.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Macular disease significantly impacts visual function and quality of life.
- Low vision rehabilitation (LVR) aims to optimize the use of remaining vision and assistive devices.
- Existing research lacks direct comparisons of LVR with basic low vision (LV) services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of LVR versus basic LV in patients with macular disease.
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LVR compared to basic LV.
Main Methods:
- A masked, multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 330 US Veterans Affairs patients with macular disease.
- Participants had best-corrected visual acuity between 0.40-1.00 logMAR.
- Intervention groups: LVR (device dispensing plus therapy) and basic LV (device dispensing only).
- Primary outcome: change in visual reading ability (VA LV VFQ-48) at 4 months.
- Secondary outcomes: overall visual ability, specific visual domains, SF-36, and MNRead.
Main Results:
- 137 patients were randomized between October 2010 and March 2012.
- The mean age of participants was 80.2 years, with 97.1% males and 94.2% white.
- Baseline best-corrected visual acuity averaged 0.65 logMAR (approx. 20/90).
Conclusions:
- LOVIT II is the first multicenter RCT to directly compare LVR and basic LV for macular disease patients.
- The study assesses both clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these interventions.
- Results will inform clinical practice regarding optimal low vision care strategies.
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