'It's never one size fits all': a qualitative exploration of vision-impaired patients' preferences for mental health...

It is widely known that a diagnosis of visual impairment has significant mental health impacts. Proposed approaches to addressing these include cognitive behavioural, problem-solving and stepped care solutions.

Limited research has focused specifically on vision-impaired patients' preferences for mental health support following diagnosis. This study aimed to address this gap.

The study was qualitative and cross-sectional, involving thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with patients diagnosed with vision impairment.

Twenty vision-impaired patients, aged from 20 to 84 years old and with a range of diagnoses, were interviewed regarding their experience of and recommendations for mental health support at the point of diagnosis and thereafter.

Three main themes were identified: (1) Mapping the Journey: The Critical Role of Accessible Information, (2) Navigating the Emotional Impact: Help-Seeking Attitudes and Experiences and (3) Tailored Mental Health Support: Timing, Delivery and Preferred Providers. Each theme had three subthemes.

It was concluded that clear information about diagnosis, prognosis and available supports is fundamental to promoting and maintaining mental health for vision-impaired patients. Person-centred and/or peer support is highly valued. To be maximally effective, specific mental health support should be informed by knowledge of vision impairment, with standardised treatment programmes not being valued highly. The study results strongly suggest that mental health support needs to be tailored to the unique needs of each individual, and therefore, a stepped care approach may be most helpful, encompassing clear information, practical advice and ongoing peer and professional support.