Applying the ICF-CY in visually impaired rehabilitation: a case report in China

The model provided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is used to describe, classify and measure function in both health care practice and research. ICF for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) has not been applied to the rehabilitation of patients with visual impairment. The purpose of this case report is to describe the process of evaluation and treatment of low vision patients based on ICF-CY models. The patient was a 9-year-old girl. The diagnosis included retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (OU), secondary glaucoma after iridectomy (OD), keratoleukoma (OD), retinal detachment (OS), strabismus postoperation (OU), nystagmus. The patient complained of being unable to see clearly, of fear of falling down stairs and of being unable to study normally. The ICF-CY framework is used to assess the overall function and disability of this girl. We provided visual devices and instruction to improve the body structure and function, mobility restriction and environmental factors associated with the cognitive function of patients. The results showed that with the help of devices and the guidance of her parents, friends and health professionals, the patient's cognitive function, learning ability and social ability were significantly improved and her psychological conditions had also been improved. As a result, using the ICF-CY model to evaluate and intervene in patients is helpful for accurately dealing with different functional problems and their correlations.