Guidelines for setting up low-vision and rehabilitation services in India

Low vision and blindness are increasing public health issues impacting individuals' quality of life. During clinical low-vision services, vision rehabilitation is crucial for enhancing daily living skills and improving life quality. Low-vision and rehabilitation (LVR) services encompass comprehensive measures that aid visually disabled individuals in restoring function, autonomy, and social participation. Such holistic management requires a multidisciplinary approach, facilitating adaptation to environmental and sociocultural changes. However, the lack of awareness about the principles and practices of LVR services poses a major hindrance to setting up such a special clinic in the eye hospital. This article is about a consensus statement on the guidelines for establishing LVR services focusing on basic requirements, especially in low-resource countries. The present recommendation to set up an LVR clinic was made after group discussions and debates among various experts and stakeholders during the National Workshop on Strengthening Low-Vision and Rehabilitation Services organized at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The event was participated by many ophthalmologists and optometrists coming from across the country. The recommendations required at the tertiary level are outlined under the four headings: Human resources and training: two ophthalmologists, that is, a low vision specialist or a well-experienced in low vision and one who has received one-week orientation and training, one optometrist, one rehabilitation supervisor, and two rehabilitation assistants; Assessment equipment: basic screening and diagnostic; Assistive devices for low vision, including, digital and non-digital; Assistive devices for rehabilitation, and methods for records maintenance. The institution may not follow strictly the present guidelines but will provide an idea on LVR services initiation.