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A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision

Published on: February 11, 2014

Functional vision promotes quality of life and socio-emotional functioning in visually impaired children and

Guido Catalano1,2, Federica Morelli1,2,3, Serena Grumi4

  • 1Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.

Plos One
|August 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children with visual impairment (VI) generally have good autonomy and quality of life. However, autonomy scores in adolescents with VI were lower, highlighting its importance in rehabilitation for psychological well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Congenital and early acquired visual impairment (VI) can negatively affect development, social integration, academic progress, autonomy, and quality of life (QoL).
  • There is growing consensus on including these functional domains in the assessment and rehabilitation strategies for pediatric VI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To create a comprehensive profile of functioning, autonomy, QoL, and emotional-behavioral status in a large cohort of children with VI.
  • To investigate the relationship between autonomy, QoL, and emotional-behavioral outcomes in pediatric VI.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 91 caregivers of children (aged 6-18) with VI across 5 specialized centers.
  • An online survey utilized validated questionnaires to assess autonomy (Patient Reported Outcome Measure - PROM), socio-emotional/behavioral problems, and QoL.
  • Clinical and socio-demographic data were also collected, with participants divided into two age groups: 6-10 years and 11-18 years.

Main Results:

  • Both age groups demonstrated medium-high average autonomy levels and appropriate socio-emotional, behavioral, and QoL scores.
  • Adolescents (11-18 years) reported lower autonomy scores compared to younger children (6-10 years).
  • Autonomy scores were significantly correlated with better QoL and fewer internalizing and externalizing socio-emotional and behavioral problems.

Conclusions:

  • Autonomy is a crucial factor in the rehabilitation of children with VI, significantly impacting their psychological well-being.
  • Assessing and supporting autonomy should be a key component of comprehensive rehabilitation programs for pediatric visual impairment.
  • Interventions aimed at enhancing autonomy may lead to improved quality of life and reduced behavioral issues in visually impaired children.

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