Follow-up in low vision rehabilitation for users of assistive technology: a scoping review

Assistive technology (AT) is crucial for aiding activities of daily living in individuals with visual impairment; yet, without systematic follow-up device abandonment rates remain high. This scoping review synthesizes existing literature on follow-up processes in individuals with visual impairment undergoing vision rehabilitation with AT. Employing the Arksey and O'Malley framework, this review comprehensively searched seven databases, identifying 1,061 articles, of which 43 were selected for analysis, using the concepts of visual impairment, rehabilitation, and assistive technology. The publications span from 1989 to 2022. Most studies (n = 36, 83%) utilized a mixed-methods design, and 51% (n = 22) originated from the United States. Devices for near vision were the most commonly prescribed type of AT. Follow-up methods included questionnaires and interviews, with most follow-ups conducted at the client's home. Follow-up timing varied across studies, whereby 37% (n = 16) occurred after one or more years and 33% (n = 14) between one week and four months. Three categories of outcome measures emerged: generic outcomes, task-specific outcomes, and a combination of both. The review identified several gaps in the literature, including a scarcity of research concerning follow-up of AT particularly for both the type and timing of follow-up.