Global Patterns of Visual Disability and Low Vision Aid Prescription: A Systematic Review

Visual disability remains a major global public health challenge, particularly among individuals with irreversible ocular diseases where medical or surgical treatment cannot restore functional vision. Low-vision rehabilitation (LVR), including the prescription of low-vision aids (LVAs), plays a critical role in optimizing residual vision and improving quality of life; however, patterns of visual disability and LVA utilization vary widely across populations and healthcare settings. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines to evaluate patterns of visual disability and the prescription, utilisation, and functional outcomes of low-vision aids across diverse patient populations. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, along with Google Scholar and citation tracking, were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Observational studies, randomized or crossover trials, service audits, and rehabilitation reports assessing low-vision rehabilitation or assistive devices were included. Of 975 records identified, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic maculopathy, and inherited retinal dystrophies were the predominant causes of visual disability in adults, whereas congenital and developmental conditions were more common in pediatric populations. Optical LVAs, particularly high-add spectacles and magnifiers, were the most frequently prescribed devices, while electronic and wearable aids demonstrated superior task-specific performance but lower real-world uptake due to cost and usability barriers. Telerehabilitation showed functional outcomes comparable to in-clinic training. Overall, low-vision aids significantly improve functional outcomes across a wide spectrum of visual disabilities, and a multimodal, patient-centered rehabilitation model integrating optical, electronic, and tele-rehabilitation approaches is essential to enhance accessibility, service reach, and effectiveness.