Exploring the lived-experience of individuals with a visual impairment regarding their autonomy, using the example of...

Visual impairment represents a significant public health concern, affecting a substantial number of individuals on a global scale. It has a profound impact on the daily lives of these individuals, particularly in relation to the administration of their medications and their interactions with community pharmacists.

The study aimed to (1) examine perceptions, challenges, and needs of individuals living with a visual impairment when engaging with community pharmacists, and (2) enhance pharmacist-patient communication, as well as ensure more accessible and inclusive healthcare for these individuals.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 French-speaking individuals with a visual impairment in Belgium. The participants were recruited on a voluntary basis and an interview guide was developped based on literature review. Interviews were carried out until theoretical data saturation, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed in a double-blind fashion using thematic and interpretative phenomenological analyses. Data were organized by NVivo software.

Two dimensions were explored in the interviews: psychological and pharmaceutical. From a psychological perspective, the experience of individuals with a visual impairment appears to be linked to their family and social context. The relationship they have with their pharmacist is also important, more specifically the relational aspect and knowledge of visual impairment.

Visual impairment is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors. Consequently, adaptation systems are necessary at all levels of the society to provide individuals with a visual impairment with the best living conditions and care. The various elements identified in this qualitative study provide some interesting insights for developing recommendations.