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Purpose: Peer support has been identified as an important aspect of rehabilitation for visually impaired adults. However, there is a limited exploration in rehabilitation studies literature of the identity-related impact of these interventions, both at an individual and collective level. Through attending to the discourses on blindness, well-being, and social inclusion that circulate in organization cultures, this article considers the role that peer support plays in forming "blind communities" with particular characteristics, and what these communities might model about life with blindness, both to newly blind persons and to society. Research Method: Foucauldian discourse analysis was conducted on semi-structured interviews with 18 visual impairment rehabilitation service users and eight rehabilitation practitioners at four organizations providing services in the Western Cape, South Africa. Results: Formal peer support is lacking in the sampled organizations, suggesting that relational aspects are not a priority in rehabilitation practice. The formal and informal peer support that does exist in these services is shadowed by largely negative sociocultural beliefs about blindness. Participants described a culture of comparison, othering, and surveillance within which, the article suggests, they are unable to explore and embrace authentic and positive blind identities. This has implications for both individual and collective empowerment. Conclusions: Greater attention must be paid to both rehabilitation practitioner training and the design and implementation of rehabilitation services to the identity-level impact of rehabilitation. This is essential to develop services that promote individual and collective empowerment and that respond to the multilayered practical, social, and psychoemotional needs of blind adults. Impact and Implications: Applying a critical disability studies lens to rehabilitation studies and practice brings to light the ways in which sociocultural beliefs about blindness influence the operation and focus of peer support interventions. A culture of comparison and othering in group rehabilitation services is a barrier to the formation of empowered communities of blind persons where diverse, authentic, and positive blind identities can be developed and embraced. Against a backdrop of largely negative ideas about blindness, peer support tends to encourage practical and emotional coping in a way that establishes a moral imperative that prohibits the healthy expression of complex emotions. There is a need for the development of rehabilitation practitioner training which focuses on the identity-level impact of undergoing a rehabilitative process for newly blind people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons with blindness and low vision experience increased fall and injury risk beyond atypical biomechanics and balance impairments. Falling risk doubles with blindness, and more than triples with depth perception losses. Despite this, physical therapy focuses on musculoskeletal injuries postevent rather than taking a proactive and preventative approach for persons with blindness and low vision. We posit that physical therapy implemented preinjury, alongside orientation and mobility training of adapted movement protocols could positively affect injury avoidance and severity for persons with blindness and low vision. The global VISION 2020 initiative seeks increased access to rehabilitation services and treatments to enhance quality-of-life for persons with blindness and low vision. In support, this article reviews research studies in rehabilitation science that promote physical health and well-being, and stresses preventative skilled mobility and therapeutic exercise to mitigate injury. To reduce the personal, financial, and societal costs associated with blindness and low vision, as well as position patients for better outcomes, we review an evidence base that may generate immediate impact in this area. While these recommendations provide an initial framework, the role of physical therapy in prehabilitative care remains a critical gap that must be addressed. It is imperative that interventions, guidelines, impairment/severity-specific practices, and overall health promotion are re-evaluated and redesigned for persons with blindness and low vision, affording equity for health and mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This pilot study aimed to (a) investigate opportunities for immersive Virtual Reality (VR) technology in communication, physical, and visual rehabilitation by examining the interaction of people without disabilities in a range of structured virtual environments; and (b) validate research protocols that might be used to evaluate the physical, visual, and verbal interaction of users in virtual worlds, and their safety while using the technology. Methods: Thirteen adults identifying as people without disability were exposed to VR via a head-mounted display. A video-review method was used to qualitatively code and analyse each participant's communication, movement, orientation, and support needs. Results: All participants oriented to their virtual environments sufficiently to use applications. Their spoken language was effective for interaction, although unconventional social behaviours were also observed. Two participants reported minor adverse reactions consistent with mild cybersickness. Conclusion: The results provide insight into the types of environments and characters that support the greatest communicative, physical, and visual interaction in immersive VR. The tested protocols are useful to assess safety when using VR, and to observe communicative, physical, and visual interaction with virtual environments and characters. Implications for future research and use of VR with people with communication, physical and visual disability are discussed. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Safe use of virtual reality in rehabilitation requires careful assessment. Comprehensive observational protocols were sufficient to manage safety concerns. Rehabilitation applications need rapid responsivity in verbal interactions to ensure users are immersed in interactions. Non-verbal cues from virtual avatars best direct user attention in the environment. Novice virtual reality users largely controlled technology using their dominant hand. They could control VR successfully with one hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual impairment (VI) is common among older adults aged 70 years and older, and its prevalence increases with advancing age. The optometry profession may play an important role in a patient-centred health system that incorporates medical and psychosocial aspects by working closely with low vision counselling services (LVCS). This paper investigates the current level of cooperation between optometry and LVCS by analysing the referral practice of optometrists to LVCS for the older population with VI, based on the PROVIAGE study. Methods: A national, telephone-based survey of individuals aged ≥70 years and an online survey of professionals in ophthalmology, optometry and LVCS was conducted in 2022 across Switzerland. Results: The responses of 154 individuals with VI and 272 professionals (123 ophthalmologists, 126 optometrists and 23 staff of low vision rehabilitation consulting centres) were analysed. Among the respondents with age-related VI, 33.1% stated that they were aware of LVCS. Of these, however, only 11.7% reported that they had visited such centres during the last five years. Sixty-eight percent of respondents attended the ophthalmologist, but only 1.3% went to the optometrist for vision-related problems. Among ophthalmologists, 95.9% indicated that they had referred patients to LVCS, whereas only 58.8% of optometrists had done so. Conclusions: The results of this study highlighted the relationship between the different clinician referrals, patient needs, and potential barriers preventing referrals towards older adults in Switzerland. A stronger cooperation between professions in the care network will enhance vision care for the ageing population without the need for additional infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Participation in everyday life activities is important for the development of children and is an important topic in rehabilitation practices. This qualitative study aimed to unveil the perspectives and experiences of teenagers with vision impairments (VIs) or motor impairments (MIs) regarding their participation in leisure activities. Materials and methods: 13 teenagers with VIs and 12 teenagers with MIs (age range: 11–15 years) participated in this study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed following the steps of the phenomenological approach. Results: A total of 623 significant statements were identified and assigned to 221 meaning units. Finally, 13 themes emerged. Teenagers with VIs and MIs shared many experiences and perspectives regarding participation in leisure activities. Conclusions: Teenagers reported that they can sufficiently indicate what they experience as pleasant and sufficient considering their participation, as well as the challenges they encountered, such as their impairment, limited transport possibilities, or concerns from parents. Overall, teenagers with VIs or MIs were generally satisfied with the degree and frequency of their participation in leisure activities and felt sufficiently involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To compare the efficacy of two different silicone hydrogel bandage contact lenses (BCLs) in terms of visual rehabilitation and ocular discomfort following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Materials and Methods This prospective study included 60 eyes of 30 patients who underwent bilateral PRK surgery to correct myopia and/or astigmatism refractive errors. Following surgery, lotrafilcon A BCLs were applied to the right eye and senofilcon A BCLs were applied to the left eye. When the BCLs were removed on postoperative day 5, subjective ocular symptoms of discomfort were evaluated on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 indicated no discomfort and 10 indicated maximum discomfort. The postoperative spherical equivalents (SE) of both eyes were compared at 15 days and 1 month. Postoperative SE ≤ ±0.50 diopters was accepted as emmetropia. The number of patients who achieved emmetropia was also compared at 15 days and 1 month postoperatively. Results Scores for ocular discomfort in the first 5 days postoperatively did not differ significantly between the BCLs (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two lenses in terms of SE values at postoperative 15 days and 1 month (p<0.05). Eyes fitted with the senofilcon A BCL demonstrated better postoperative visual rehabilitation. Conclusion Although post-PRK ocular discomfort scores did not differ significantly between the two BCLs, the senofilcon A lenses performed better in terms of achieving the target SE postoperatively. Keywords:Lotrafilcon A, senofilcon A, bandage contact lens, photorefractive keratectomy, refractive errors: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This narrative inquiry study aimed to explore older adults' stories about how they have coped to maintain occupational engagement, despite living with age-related vision loss (ARVL). Methods: Six older adults, ≥ 60 years of age with ARVL participated in three interviews each, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Coping was grouped into three overarching themes namely psychological, social, and behavioral coping strategies. Conclusion: Results from this study have identified how older adults with ARVL cope to maintain participation in occupations. Findings highlight the need for increased healthcare support, including occupational therapists, to help older adults aging with vision loss identify and integrate adaptive coping strategies to enhance their occupational lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cataracts can reduce the quality of vision in visually impaired patients who already have a visual impairment. The most common causes of low vision include age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), high myopia (HM), diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma (GL), and inherited degenerative ocular diseases. The surgery aims to improve their independence, quality of life, and ability to engage in daily, social, and work activities. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, combined with visual rehabilitation, can improve visual acuity of visually impaired patients. Therefore, comprehensive guidelines for cataract surgery in patients with low vision would be beneficial to ensure optimal surgical outcomes by improving surgical planning, execution, and postoperative care, along with a well‐coordinated rehabilitation process. In cases of reduced metabolism, such as low vision, oxidative stress can be aggravated by light exposure and surgical interventions. Thus, maintaining redox balance is crucial for stabilizing retinal conditions. Patients with visual impairments rely on retinal regions with the greatest residual function, and cataract surgery aims to enhance focus on these areas, improving reading quality and reducing scotoma perception. Thorough informed consent is crucial, ensuring that patients are fully aware of the potential risks, benefits, and limitations of surgery. Close postoperative follow‐up in the first 6 months is crucial to detect and manage any complications promptly, such as reactivation of maculopathy. The aim of this work is to establish potential guidelines for optimal rehabilitation outcomes through careful literature analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being visually impaired or legally blind (having vision that is uncorrectable or cannot be corrected to a legally acceptable level) is inherently uncertain. Although uncertainty can result in positive, negative, or neutral consequences, little is known about how uncertainty is experienced and negotiated in this understudied population. Thus, through in-depth, semi-structured interviews of 24 individuals with a visual impairment, we apply uncertainty management theory (UMT) to examine the communication strategies visually impaired individuals used to manage the personal, vision-related, and social uncertainty they experienced. Many participants appraised the uncertainty negatively and consequently aimed to reduce it by seeking social support and information, using instrumental strategies, and proactively disclosing their visual impairment. Interviewees who preferred to remain uncertain maintained it by avoiding thinking about their visual impairment or worsening vision and/or by concealing their low vision and passing as sighted. Last, some participants, particularly those who were born with low vision or had been visually impaired longer, learned to adapt to the uncertainty through reframing and accepting, self-care, and by turning to God. The study also uncovered that some participants' uncertainty management was limited by ableist constraints, such as inadequate support systems, systemic barriers, and stigma. The study also underscores the universal and fluid nature of uncertainty and uncovers tangible ways individuals with visual impairment can navigate uncertainty within a pervasive cultural biomedical model of disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigated a training regimen for teachers of children with visual impairments (TVIs) who need to assess, plan instruction for, and teach students with cortical visual impairment (CVI), as well as the effect of these strategies on the visual behaviors of these students. Method: TVIs learned CVI content knowledge and knowledge of a specific app-based system called CViConnect through a group workshop, seven asynchronous modules, and a year of mentorship from a TVI certified in CVI. When using the CViConnect system on iPads, data are captured during the instructional session, and the looking and touching behaviors of students are automatically saved to a remote server. Results: TVIs with and without specific training used Phase I activities the most, but untrained TVIs used Phase II and III activities more than trained TVIs. Sessions conducted by trained TVIs averaged three times longer than those done by untrained TVIs. Students taught by TVIs without specific training touched items that were not meant to be selected (i.e., sprites and backgrounds) much more than students with trained TVIs, but students taught by trained TVIs looked at the screen more often— M = 0.08 looks/s versus M = 0.07 looks/s, t (3317) = 2.59, p =.005, d = 0.09—had longer sustained looks— M = 34.08 s versus M = 6.67 s, t (3317) = 10.11, p <.001, d = 0.35—and spent more time looking at the screen than students with untrained TVIs: M = 9.51 s versus M = 3.21 s, t (3317) = 4.12, p <.001, d = 0.14. Discussion: Training led TVIs to be able to identify appropriate activities for their students with CVI, thus encouraging the children to use looking behaviors instead of becoming visually overwhelmed and randomly tapping on the screen. Implications for Practitioners: These data seem to show that the training regimen in this project leads TVIs to choose activities of an appropriate level for their students with CVI and to use the CViConnect system to increase looking behaviors in their students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Individuals with visual impairments use assistive technology in various aspects of life. Professionals who work with visually impaired people need to know about assistive technologies. The purpose of this study was to analyse the benefits and challenges of assistive technologies by assessing the degree of satisfaction with assistive technologies in different life situations expressed both by users and by professionals. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 36 individuals with visual impairments and 27 professionals using online questionnaires. Further information was obtained from five individuals with visual impairments through focus group interviews. Results: The results show that 26 (72.2%) individuals with visual impairments and almost all professionals (N = 25; 92.6%) acknowledge the benefits of using assistive technology. They recognise the importance of assistive technology in independent living for individuals with visual impairments. However, 27 (75%) individuals with visual impairment and 26 (96.3%) professionals consider financial constraints to be the biggest problem. Conclusion: More cost-effective technologies need to be developed, and social policies and opportunities created so that every individual with visual impairment can obtain assistive technologies that meet their needs. This would increase the independence of individuals with visual impairments in all areas of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Assistive technology support independent living of individuals with visual impairments in all aspects of their lives Individuals with visual impairments benefit from use of assistive technology but often cannot afford it because it is too expensive To increase the independence of individuals with visual impairments, we need to develop good legislation and create less expensive assistive technology that is affordable for everyone To find the best possible solution for individuals, we need to conduct a functional assessment and train professionals and individuals with visual impairments in the use of assistive technology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of aerobic exercise on the balance and mobility of visually impaired individuals and identify potential factors affecting these outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria for the study included visual impairment in the participant population, type of visual impairment, aerobic exercise intervention, controlled trials, age, design, and outcomes. Data were extracted based on these seven questions, and a narrative synthesis approach was employed for analysis. A comprehensive search of the database yielded 1987 articles, and ultimately, 14 randomized controlled trials involving 685 participants were selected for inclusion. Results: The study findings indicate that aerobic exercise can greatly enhance the static balance ability [SMD = 1.23, 95%CI 0.80–1.66, p < 0.00001] and dynamic balance ability [SMD = 1.04, 95% CI 0.09–1.99, p = 0.03] of individuals with visual impairment. However, it appeared that mobility did not exhibit significant improvement [SMD = −0.49, 95% CI −1.06 to 0.09, p = 0.10]. Through subgroup analysis, it was found that exercise frequency, age, and degree of visual impairment significantly affect static balance. Conclusions: Engaging in aerobic exercise 3–6 times per week, with each session lasting between 30 and 60 min, and continuing for a cycle of 8–16 weeks has been shown to enhance both dynamic and static balance in individuals with visual impairments. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Tailor individualized rehabilitation plans based on factors such as the patient's age, level of physical activity, and degree of visual impairment. When developing a rehabilitation plan, particular attention should be given to the patient's static and dynamic balance needs. Older patients with visual impairment can significantly enhance their balance by diligently adhering to the training program. The type of visual impairment and the frequency of physical activity are significant factors influencing the effectiveness of balance training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Occupational therapists working in low vision rehabilitation make recommendations for assistive technology (AT) and provide training in AT use for people with vision impairment (PVI) to support participation and independence. Smartphones and apps are an important AT for PVI, yet little is known about the training needs of PVI or what training is currently provided. Research exploring PVI's learning and training experiences is required to inform training development. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the perspectives, needs, and recommendations of PVI from Australia and Singapore on smartphone training methods. Methods: An online survey collected data between November 2020 to February 2021. Participants were recruited from Australia and Singapore using purposeful sampling. The survey had three sections: (i) demographics, (ii) use of smartphones and apps, and (iii) training. It consisted of 26 closed and open‐ended questions. The quantitative results from the survey were analysed descriptively, and responses to open‐ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Results: Sixty‐eight PVI responded to the survey, with 34 (50%) participants from each country. There were more Australians (n = 19/34, 55.9%) who had accessed formal training compared to Singaporeans (n = 11/34, 32.3%). Participants valued both formal and informal training, and self‐training was the most used method for informal training (Australia: n = 29/34, 85%, Singapore: n = 22/34, 64.7%). Participants stated they preferred individualised formal training that caters to their learning needs and is provided by patient and knowledgeable trainers. They also preferred formal training, which is flexible and convenient to access, including online training with peers. Conclusion: Findings such as providing individualised training, ensuring increased awareness of formal training, and using both formal and informal training methods can be considered by occupational therapists to enhance and develop training for PVI in the use of smartphones and apps. Consumer and community consultation: Consumers were involved at the development stage. Three people with vision impairment reviewed and provided feedback on the survey's accessibility and content. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study looked at how occupational therapists can better help PVI learn to use smartphones and apps. Using a smartphone is important for PVI, but it is not clear what kind of training PVI need or what training is available. So researchers wanted to hear directly from PVI about their experiences and needs regarding smartphone training. Altogether, 68 PVI from Australia and Singapore completed a survey online. The study found that more Australians had received formal training compared to Singaporeans. Most participants were found to have trained themselves, but they wanted personalised formal training that met their needs. They liked trainers who were patient, knowledgeable, and flexible, and they valued online training with peers. The study suggests that occupational therapists should consider providing personalised training, making PVI more aware of training that does exist and using a mix of formal and informal methods to help PVI better use smartphones and apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vision disorders are common after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and can affect occupational performance. The study was designed to support occupational therapy's role in providing remedial vision rehabilitation (RVR) by demonstrating changes in vision efficiency and patient reports of vision-related occupational performance in adult patients with a mTBI after occupational therapy-led RVR. Method: In this retrospective study, data was collected pre/post-RVR treatment at an outpatient clinic using a convenience sample of adults 18 years of age and older with vision disorder diagnosis and mTBI diagnosis. Vertical/horizontal saccades, vergence jumps, near-point convergence, Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement (COPM) were measured before and after RVR. Results: Statistically significant changes were found in all outcome measurement scores after RVR with a large-size effect using t-test analysis. (Vertical saccades: t = -2.71; p = .022. Horizontal saccades t = -3.87; p = .003. Vergence jumps t =- 4.98; p= .001 Conclusions: Evidence-based RVR after mTBI injury may improve vision efficiency disorders and visionrelated occupational performance and satisfaction, demonstrating occupational therapy's distinct role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explores the initial views of people with age-related macular degeneration towards wearable electronic vision enhancement systems. Methods: Ten adults with age-related macular degeneration participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified. Firstly, participants spoke of the wide-ranging impact of sight loss and how current helpful coping strategies still had significant limitations, affecting their desire to seek new solutions. The second theme showed that "other people" offered welcomed support with existing electronic coping solutions and are needed to provide suitable advice and training. However, "other people" limited the acceptability of using new solutions in public places. The third theme captured participants' desire for a wearable aid providing image magnification and enhancement over a range of distances. The final theme covered the reality of some current wearable technology, perceived as heavy, enclosing, or strange in appearance. Appearance caused some to lose interest in use, although others reframed the devices' desired usefulness to solo and sedentary activities. Conclusion: This population are interested in the potential benefits of wearable electronic vision enhancement systems. More work is needed to understand the suitability of current solutions due to participant concerns about training, appearance and performance. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: A device that offers image enhancement and variable magnification in a hands-free, wearable form is very desirable to people with age-related macular degeneration. Some potential users are not seeking new solutions to well-described problems, which may be a useful coping strategy but alternatively may be motivated by fear of the unknown, financial worries, or concerns about appropriate training. The weight and appearance of some of the current wearable electronic vision enhancement systems are not immediately appealing and would stop some from proceeding with a performance trial. After viewing the current devices, the desirable times to use a wearable electronic vision enhancement system may be reframed by users to focus predominately on sedentary tasks taking place in isolation at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on guide dogs and the orientation and mobility (O&M) instructor gap. Topics include the most important factors for every O&M specialist to recognize about guide dogs, systems of orientation and mobility, and program-wide learning objectives of several universities related to guide dogs.

Introduction: The prevalence of depression among blind people is higher than in sighted populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between time-related characteristics of visual impairment (i.e., onset and duration), as well as depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleepiness, and stress, in the context of self-reported total blindness and the inability to perceive light exposure. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design utilizing the combination of online survey and telephone survey. The Centre for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Inventory, the Fatigue Syndrome Inventory, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale were selected for the self-reported questionnaires. For statistical analysis, independent t -tests, analysis of variance tests, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests, chi-square tests, multiple linear regression models, and multivariable ordinal logistic regressions were conducted using the R software program and its required packages. Results: A total of 154 respondents completed the online and telephone surveys. Although the number of years of experiencing blindness showed negative correlations with the scores of fatigue (r = −.16, p <.05), stress (r = −.18, p <.05), and depressive feelings (r = −.21, p <.05) in Model 1, the impacts of the onset of blindness on the depressive symptoms (β = −.02, p =.570) and the presence of severe depressive symptoms, OR = 1.42, 95% CI [0.49, 4.19], p =.518, were insignificant in Model 2. Discussion: Blindness seems to be regarded as a more severe chronic condition which affects individuals' psychological status. Given the effects of the limited range of social activities and daily tasks and the dramatically reduced accessible visual information inputs, the severe depressive symptoms in this group can be understood. Implications for Practitioners: Regular counseling and psychological services monitoring depressive symptoms, chronic fatigue, and severe distress should be continued even after the completion of rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Evidence for occupational therapy interventions should be grounded in theory to support practitioners' role in the rehabilitation of adults with low vision. Objective: To analyze the content of publications on interventions for adults with low vision to determine theories proposed or used to guide interventions and to categorize their level of evidence. Data Sources: CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. Method: A quantitative summative content analysis of articles published from 1984 through 2021. Results: Fourteen articles provided a theoretical rationale for occupational therapy interventions for adults with low vision. Nine provided evidence for interventions supported by theory, and 3 suggested theories to support interventions. Eleven were found in peer-reviewed publications; 10 were in occupational therapy publications. Of the 14, 50% were categorized at the lowest level of evidence. Conclusions and Relevance: Few high-level studies on occupational therapy interventions for adults with low vision exist that provide a rationale for treatment based on theory. Application of theories provides clinical reasoning that distinguishes occupational therapy interventions from those of other professions serving adults with low vision. If interventions are not grounded in theory, the occupational therapy profession risks losing its distinction from other similar professions in low vision rehabilitation. Plain-Language Summary: This is the first content analysis of theories recommended and used to guide occupational therapy interventions for adults with low vision. This systematic review highlights occupational therapy's distinct value over other professions but also points to a dangerous gap in the literature that threatens practitioners' role in the rehabilitation of adults with low vision. This systematic review highlights occupational therapy's distinct value and role in the rehabilitation of adults with low vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Low-vision quality-of-life (LVQOL) questionnaire was recently translated to Persian. Its model fit and construct validity were assessed by exploratory and confirmatory analysis for adults with visual impairment, before. In this study, we aimed to test the reliability of the Persian LVQOL questionnaire based on Rasch analysis. Methods: Overall, 100 low-vision patients and 100 demographic statue-matched control subjects were participated for evaluating reliability aspects. All the participants were asked to complete the Persian LVQOL questionnaire. The low-vision group was asked to fill out the LVQOL 3 months after rehabilitation to determine how rehabilitation changed the quality of life. Rasch analyses of the survey items were conducted using WINSTEPS. Results: All items fitted the Rasch model. Point-measure correlations values varied from.13 to.70, providing a preliminary indication of adequate construct validity. All factor loadings found more than.4. infit values for all other participants were in the acceptable range. All items obtained infit and outfit MSQ values of < 2.0. Patients' abilities relative to the item difficulty were analyzed. Item difficulty was estimated and item characteristic curves were included. Sufficient unidimensionality, hierarchical order, and equal interval scaring were obtained. Conclusion: The Persian LVQOL questionnaire was reliable enough and it will be valuable in both clinical practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vision rehabilitation services are increasingly being delivered remotely (i.e., telerehabilitation); yet, limited research has explored practitioners' attitudes towards this approach or considered the wider implications of re-designing services. This qualitative study investigates perspectives on delivering telerehabilitation among sight loss support organisations. Methods: Twelve participants from 9 sight loss charities in the United Kingdom took part in a semi-structured interview. Participants were professionals from large national rehabilitation service providers (n = 5), regional charities (n = 3), or local community organisations (n = 4). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified (1) Delivery of telerehabilitation; (2) Opportunities associated with telerehabilitation; (3) challenges associated with telerehabilitation; and (4) wider challenges in the vision rehabilitation sector. Greater utilisation of telerehabilitation was viewed positively; however, questions arose regarding cost-effectiveness and the appropriateness of this method of service delivery. Factors such as workforce decline, access to training, and understanding of vision rehabilitation were identified as wider problems affecting the future landscape of vision rehabilitation. Conclusion: Digital innovation has facilitated local and national organisations to provide largely successful and accessible telerehabilitation services. Wider challenges call for investment in strategies and policies to ensure people with visual impairment can continue to benefit from vision rehabilitation services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphones and applications (apps) are replacing traditional assistive technology devices for people with vision impairment (PVI) to support their mobility and independence in daily life. However, training and learning support to enable PVI to use this technology to its full advantage requires further research. A better understanding of what, and how, training and learning support is currently being provided is required to inform the future development of training and best practice in the area. This study, using an interpretive descriptive qualitative approach, aimed to explore the perspectives of trainers on the current provision of smartphone training in Australia, Canada, and Singapore. Semi-structured interviews with 22 trainers, including 13 trainers with a vision impairment, discussed how training is currently conducted, the challenges, and their ideas on what would constitute a high-quality or ideal training programme. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and six themes emerged: structure and content of training; training provides hope, independence and connection; trainers' approach and attributes influence training; informal support and other avenues for learning; challenges associated with providing training; and suggestions to improve training. Participants highlighted that smartphone training was a source of hope for PVI and that it enabled independence. The importance of responding to clients' emotional needs, in addition to their learning needs in an individualised and graded approach, was discussed as critical to the success of training. Trainers with vision impairment who weaved their lived experience into the training sessions found this to be beneficial to their clients' learning and adjustment to vision loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the vision quality assessment questionnaires are in English. None of the low-vision-related quality-of-life questionnaires have been translated or developed in Persian. It will help Persian optometrists and ophthalmologists to assess improvement of visual function and quality of life during their low-vision rehabilitation programs. In this study, we aimed to translate the low-vision quality-of-life (LVQOL) questionnaire in Persian language and apply exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity and fit model. Translation and cultural adjustment of the English language LVQOL questionnaire to Persian was undertaken. Overall, 100 low-vision patients were participated to validate and model the assessment questionnaire by both EFA and CFA methods. Complementary EFA and CFA results provide detailed information about item and scale performance of the Persian LVQOL. EFA showed Items 15, 16, and 21 which had factor loadings lower than 0.3. The modified model had the comparative fit index (CFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.89 and 0.06, respectively. The translation, adjustment, and fit analysis of the LVQOL questionnaire into Persian were successful and it will be valuable in both clinical practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sometimes even with the best efforts by the eye care worker (ECW), patients cannot be stopped from losing vision even in the best of centers anywhere in the world. However, in developing countries, most vision loss happens in rural and suburban areas away from where ECWs are majorly located due to poor facilities, adverse living conditions, and poverty. Once irreversible blindness happens, rehabilitation should follow. However, the numbers of those who are not referred for rehabilitation by far outstrips those who are, for various reasons. To find out why this is so, 150 ECWs with 1:2 M:F ratio were contacted through Google links sent through WhatsApp groups. Glaucoma was statistically the commonest cause of irreversible blindness (χ2 = 66.17, p -value <.0001) mostly from late presentation (n = 146 of 150 responses, 97.7%). When patients go blind, most (n = 132, 87.4%) of the ECW advise them to go to a blind school (81.2%). Only about a quarter of the respondents properly ensure that they go. A third admitted (n = 78, 39%) that knowing the patients personally improved their willingness to refer. Many do not think the government is doing enough to help the blind (n = 118, 78.7%). Even though many ECWs have given sensitization talks on blindness (124 of 164 responses), very few focus on what happens after blindness occurs (42.4% of respondents). A third of the ECW admitted to not doing enough for the blind in their practice (n = 51, 34%). Majority have, however, heard about The Lens Eye Clinic (TLEC) rehab center, one of the foremost rehabilitation centers for the blind in Nigeria (n = 103, 68.7%). ECW should ensure those who live in rural areas have poor socioeconomic background, less educated, female, elderly, or born blind should have regular screening and awareness programs in the areas of practice to catch the condition on time with provision made for early counseling and support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this qualitative study, three participants were observed and recorded while teaching in a variety of environments. The purpose of this study was to confirm the findings of the interviews and to learn more about these non-visual teaching skills and strategies. Using an observation checklist, the research team met on a weekly basis to view and code the recordings from January to April 2022. Member checks were completed by all participants via Zoom meetings. The participants were three males who were visually impaired employed at rehabilitation centers for individuals with low vision/blindness. Four themes emerged from the analysis of the observation data: auditory monitoring, tactile monitoring, instructor positioning, and Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT®). The results of this study demonstrate the connection between the current study and the previous three studies completed by the research team. It is evident that the participants engaged in different strategies to monitor safety and promote independent travel for their students. Non-visual skills were an important component for SDCT that all participants utilized. The findings of this study can be used by university faculty from orientation and mobility (O&M) personnel preparation programs as a resource when they have students with visual impairment in blindfold/simulation cane courses. This research also supported faculty to identify best teaching practices among all programs and to integrate these practices into their curricula to strengthen their programs. For success in life, teachers of students with visual impairment and O&M instructors need to promote self-advocacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of low vision is expected to increase at the national and international levels, given the aging population and the association between the prevalence of ocular disease(s) and increasing age. Thus, it is important to establish knowledge of the distribution, adequacy, and quality of available low vision rehabilitation services nationally and internationally. This will in turn help prioritize eyecare plans and initiatives, and thus deliver effective services. This cross-sectional study enumerated and surveyed all local government and information regarding the geographic location of each participating entity, entity affiliation, availability and types of low vision rehabilitation services, types of providers, and referral patterns were determined. The results of the current study showed that only 4% of the entities provided low vision rehabilitation services and most (75%) were located in the central region. Additionally, the majority of the services (95%) were basic optometric rehabilitation services whereas other services were either rarely offered or not offered at all. Overall, the current low vision rehabilitation services in Saudi Arabia are inadequate to meet the increasing prevalence of the low vision population. Thus, careful planning of eyecare services is required to meet this demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vocational education and training of computer literacy as part of vocational rehabilitation, learners often work on problem-solving exercises as self-study assignments, and check if their answers are correct. Sighted learners can get information on their incorrect answers by comparing their answers with the correct answers. However, learners with visual impairments largely depend on their teachers for getting this feedback. To remove this dependence, we designed a self-checking system for learners with visual impairments to verify the correctness of their answers. In this paper, we report the results of a usability study to evaluate whether learners with visual impairments can self-check spreadsheet problem-solving exercises using our system in a teacherless environment. Usability evaluation experiment was conducted using 2 × 2 crossover design with people with visual impairments (n = 11). The participants checked their answers (detected and corrected errors) after working on problem-solving exercises in two ways: (i) manually; and (ii) using our system. The system usability was evaluated by measuring Detection-And-Correction (DAC) ratio as effectiveness, time taken and the number of steps required for DAC as efficiency, and System Usability Scale score as satisfaction. The results show that all the participants could complete the DAC task by using our system, and the time required for DAC task was significantly reduced by using our system as compared to by checking manually. Our system enables learners with visual impairments to self-check problem-solving exercises answers. However, to increase the user satisfaction, the number of required keystrokes needs to be decreased. Vocational rehabilitation for learners with visual impairments to improve their computer literacy is becoming increasingly important. Learners with visual impairments have the potential to acquire computer literacy in a teacherless environment by using simple assistive software like our self-checking system. Simple assistive software for learners with visual impairments like our self-checking system may have a positive effect not only on learners with visual impairments but also on sighted people. Moreover, our system reduces the teaching load of the teachers so that they can be more effective in helping learners with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with homonymous hemianopia (HH) benefit from applying compensatory scanning behaviour that limits the consequences of HH in a specific task. The aim of the study is to (i) review the current literature on task-specific scanning behaviour that improves performance and (ii) identify differences between this performance-enhancing scanning behaviour and scanning behaviour that is spontaneously adopted or acquired through training. The databases PsycInfo, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for articles on scanning behaviour in people with HH. The final sample contained 60 articles, reporting on three main tasks, i.e., search (N = 17), reading (N = 16) and mobility (N = 14), and other tasks (N = 18). Five articles reported on two different tasks. Specific scanning behaviour related to task performance in search, reading, and mobility tasks. In search and reading tasks, spontaneous adaptations differed from this performance-enhancing scanning behaviour. Training could induce adaptations in scanning behaviour, enhancing performance in these two tasks. For mobility tasks, limited to no information was found on spontaneous and training-induced adaptations to scanning behaviour. Performance-enhancing scanning behaviour is mainly task-specific. Spontaneous development of such scanning behaviour is rare. Luckily, current compensatory scanning training programs can induce such scanning behaviour, which confirms that providing scanning training is important. Scanning behaviour that improves performance in people with homonymous hemianopia (HH) is task-specific. Most people with HH do not spontaneously adopt scanning behaviour that improves performance. Compensatory scanning training can induce performance-enhancing scanning behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study, conducted in the United States, investigated the challenges faced by drivers with homonymous visual field loss and their coping strategies, including the use of in-vehicle Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Methods: Four current drivers with either homonymous quadrantanopia or homonymous scotoma caused by a stroke completed an in-depth semi-structured telephone interview. Using mostly open-ended questions, the interview addressed the difficulties encountered while driving, strategies used to cope with the difficulties, and the use of ADAS. Results: The main difficulties related to seeing objects on the side of the field loss, especially at intersections and when merging or changing lanes. Individuals with left-sided field loss reported problems with left turns and seeing oncoming cars at intersections. Those who had homonymous scotomas described how cars disappeared in and out of the scotoma. Two participants reported many driving difficulties at first, but fewer difficulties as they became used to driving with the field loss. The most common coping strategies included scanning to the side of the field loss (including large scans with head movements), use of rearview and side mirrors, adding mirrors to the car, leaving more space on the side of the field loss, avoiding difficult driving situations and the use of ADAS (blind spot warning, GPS navigation, and rearview camera). Discussion: All participants reported some difficulties consistent with those found in on-road and driving simulator studies of individuals with homonymous visual field loss. Over time they each reported developing a set of strategies, including the use of ADAS, for coping with the field loss that enabled them to be active drivers with relatively few self-imposed restrictions. Implications for Practitioners: Advising drivers with stroke-related field loss about potential difficulties and compensatory strategies is an important part of preparation for return to driving. This article provides examples of problem situations, coping strategies, and ADAS use which can be used to guide discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The present study aimed to explore the effect of eight weeks of judo training on the life expectancy, motivation, and mental health of blind and visually impaired veterans of the eightyear Holy Defense War in Tehran. Materials & Methods This experimental research was done on 100 blind and visually impaired non-athlete males in Tehran Province, Iran. Forty individuals were selected and randomly assigned to the experimental (20 participants) and control (20 participants) groups. The Miller Hope Scale (MHS), the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Willis’s Sport Attitude Inspection Questionnaire (SAI) were used as research tools. A paired t-test was employed to compare the mean scores within each group (pre-test and post-test), and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the differences between the two separate groups using SPSS 26. Findings There was a significant difference in life expectancy and mental health, excluding the two components of social functioning symptoms and depression symptoms, as well as in the competitive motivation of blind and visually impaired veterans in Tehran Province before and after eight weeks. Conclusion Eight weeks of judo training positively affects life expectancy, mental health, and competitive motivation of blind and visually impaired veterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

we present a preliminary set of experimental studies that demonstrates device-aided echolocation enabling in blind and visually impaired individuals. The proposed device emits a click-like sound into the surrounding space and returning sound is perceived by participants to infer the surrounding environment. two sets of experiments were set up to evaluate the echolocation abilities of nine blind participants. The first setup was designed to identify four material types based on the sound reflection properties of materials, such as glass, metal, wood, and ceramics. The second setup was navigation through a basic maze with the device. experimental data demonstrate that the use of the proposed device enables active echolocation abilities in blind participants, particularly for material identification and spatial mobility. the proposed device can potentially be used to rehabilitate disabled blind and visually impaired individuals in terms of spatial mobility and orientation. Device helps rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired individuals Rehabilitation in terms of spatial mobility and orientation Enables active echolocation in blind and visually impaired individuals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on orientation and mobility (O&M) services for school-aged students, families, and service providers. The survey asked O&M specialists about their instructional practices and decision-making processes regarding remote instruction service provisions, allowances, and district guidelines. The online survey collected data from October to November 2020, with open-ended responses from 166 O&M specialists. A thematic analysis was used to examine and code qualitative responses. Respondents were found to divide remote instruction into two categories, foundational skills and high-level travel skills. A preference for teaching foundational skills during remote instruction was also identified, with concerns for student safety and practitioner liability reported as the deciding factors. Field-specific guidelines and potential legal vulnerabilities regarding remote instruction are considered, with an analysis of negligence and professional liability. Practices used during COVID are also examined according to the COMS Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice. The findings demonstrate the need for field-specific guidance and research-based instructional methods regarding remote instruction. O&M specialists should continue to conduct a thorough risk assessment before utilizing new and unresearched remote instructional methods as a means of acting in the best interest of the student. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research suggests that children and adolescents with visual impairment may face several challenges in their academic learning and socio-emotional development due to restricted mobility, feelings of loneliness, and dependency on others. Habilitation services attempt to provide support with respect to many of these challenges that may positively impact on well-being and mental health, such as enabling independence in daily tasks, participation in social activities, and developing self-confidence. The literature also shows that individuals who have received educational and vocational rehabilitation support report higher quality of life and more positive self-esteem. Therefore, the primary focus of this study was on the rehabilitation, recreational opportunities, and educational resources provided by vision habilitation services for children and adolescents with visual impairments. The role that these services may play in school and daily life, as well as in the socio-emotional development of children and adolescents with visual impairments was also examined. This research covers the perspectives of professional staff, parents, children, and adolescents and considers both the immediate and potential long-term benefits of these services. The findings of the study highlighted the positive impact that this support has on children and adolescents' independence, personal-safety, and self-confidence. The findings also indicated the positive impact of this support on the mental health of their families and benefits of providing continued support and expanding these habilitation and recreation services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the preferences, expectations, and sense of safety of blind or visually impaired persons regarding three types of pedestrian phasing with audible pedestrian signals configurations that exist in Quebec City (Canada). These include: 1) exclusive phasing with non-directional audible pedestrian signals; 2) exclusive phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals; and 3) concurrent phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals. Thirty-two blind or visually impaired persons were asked to complete a survey. Their preferences and expectations regarding audible pedestrian signals were documented through a series of simulations. Their sense of safety regarding the three existing configurations were also documented. Subsequently, semi-directed, individual interviews with 11 of the individuals who had completed the survey were conducted to build off the collected information. No formal consensus regarding many of the issues discussed were established as participants' responses varied too significantly. However, findings suggest that the exclusive phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals configuration is perceived to be the safest option by the participants. This study may have practical implications on the design of intersections (e.g., selection of a type of pedestrian phasing with audible pedestrian signal) and the training of blind or visually impaired pedestrians. The addition of audible pedestrian signals to pedestrian signals heightens the sense of safety of blind or visually impaired persons. This study may have practical implications on the design of intersections with audible pedestrian signals and the selection of a type of audible pedestrian signals based on intersection characteristics. Since many participants reported a lower sense of safety when faced with concurrent phasing, it is recommended that more intensive orientation and mobility interventions be provided to blind or visually impaired pedestrians who use this type of traffic signals. Educating road users about blind or visually impaired pedestrians appears also essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are about 2.2 billion people with visual impairment all over the world. In order to improve the quality of life for visually impaired people, various devices have been developed that support the users to make them capable of performing everyday work. There have been considerable advancements in the development of assistive devices over the last few decades. This work aims to review the research work of past decade to explore the technologies used in the assistive devices for the mobility of the people with visual impairment. It focuses on range sensors based (RSB) solutions and to present a comprehensive comparison for researchers to improve the quality of the assistive devices. In order to improve life quality of about 2.2 billion people with visual impairment in the world, various assistive devices have been developed. This work aims to review the research work of past decade to explore the technologies used in the assistive devices for the mobility of the people with visual impairment. It focuses on RSB solutions and their comparison. Various devices developed or the people with visual impairment, in last decade are described along with their workings. Authors also introduced, their own, newly developed assistive device for the people with visual impairment. The feedback from the people with visual impairment, about assistive technology, is also included in the paper. This study will benefit researchers developing assistive devices to help for the mobility of the people with visual impairment. Through user feedback and evaluation of the assistive devices, the authors have come to the conclusion that performance, weight and cost of the assistive devices are always important considerations to make the assistive devices more popular among their users. Although assistive device cannot rehabilitate a visually impaired person, range sensor-based assistive device may have following implications: •Use of assistive device is growing, and performance, weight and cost of assistive devices are always important considerations so that proposed technology solution should widely be accepted and adopted by the visually impaired people. •The adaptability and acceptability of an assistive device by the visually impaired people must be considered during design phase. •Proposed assistive technological solutions should meet all the needed functions. •Performance of these devices should be assessed in application context so that these devices may help the visually impaired to perform their tasks independently. •At the end, a new light weight and low-cost device developed by authors, is also given, that could be used to assist the visually impaired people to move independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric corneal transplant is a highly demanding and technically challenging procedure for the cornea surgeon in today's era. These cases pose unique challenges in clinical and surgical management. The indications of pediatric corneal transplant can be therapeutic, tectonic, optical, and cosmetic. Pediatric patients undergoing corneal transplants are at a high risk of graft infection, failure, rejection, dehiscence, and amblyopia due to young age, robust immune system, increased incidence of trauma, and compliance issues. The other factors contributing to graft failure can be allograft rejection, secondary glaucoma, corneal vascularization, multiple surgeries, vitreous prolapse, and lack of treatment compliance. A successful corneal transplant in children depends on meticulous preoperative evaluation, uneventful surgery, the expertise of a corneal surgeon, and regular and timely postoperative follow-up. Therapeutic and optical penetrating keratoplasty are the most commonly performed transplants in children. However, with the advancements in surgical technique and management protocol, the current focus has shifted toward lamellar keratoplasty. Lamellar keratoplasty offers early visual recovery and potentially fewer complications. Visual rehabilitation through corneal transplant in otherwise blind eyes can be a boon for the children. Recently, keratoprostheses have been promising in children with multiple graft failures. The current review gives insights into epidemiology, etiology, indications, clinical characteristics, investigations, management options, recent advances, and the future of pediatric corneal transplants. As surgical techniques continue to grow and comprehension of pediatric corneal transplants is improving, we can safeguard these eyes with the best possible anatomical and functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim was to examine the association between physical and mental comorbidity with receiving low vision services (LVS). Methods: A retrospective study based on Dutch claims data of health insurers was performed. We retrieved data (2015–2018) of patients (≥18 years) with eye diseases causing severe vision loss who received LVS at Dutch rehabilitation organizations in 2018 (target group) and patients who did not receive LVS, but who received ophthalmic medical specialist care for glaucoma, macular, diabetic retinal and/or retinal diseases in 2018 (reference group). For examining the association between the patients’ comorbidities and receiving LVS, multivariable logistic regression was used. The relative quality of five different models was assessed with the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results: The study population consisted of 574,262 patients, of which 8,766 in the target group and 565,496 in the reference group. Physical comorbidity was found in 83% and 14% had mental comorbidity. After adjustment for all assumed confounders, both physical and mental comorbidity remained significantly associated with receiving LVS. In the adjusted model, which also included both comorbidity variables, the best relative quality was found to describe the association between mental and physical comorbidity and receiving LVS. Conclusions: Mental comorbidity seemed to be independently associated with receiving LVS, implying that the odds for receiving a LVS referral are higher in patients who are vulnerable to mental comorbidity. Physical comorbidity was independently associated, however, the association with receiving LVS might not be that meaningful in terms of policy implications. Providing mental healthcare interventions for people with VI seems warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Low vision rehabilitation provides strategies to substitute for visual impairment and the resultant limitations of low vision by enhancing remaining vision and other sensory or motor abilities in individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of and perceived barriers to providing low vision rehabilitation by optometrists in Pakistan. Methods: In this qualitative, cross-sectional study, a convenient sample of 100 participants was included and a structured, validated, self-administered questionnaire was provided to collect demographic information and to identify the level of knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers regarding low vision rehabilitation. Data was analyzed using frequency distribution and Pearson's chi-square test to understand the significance of barriers to low vision care provision. Results: A total of 100 participants completed the study questionnaire (59 males, 41 females) with a mean age of 26 (±6.1 SD) years. Eighty-two participants (82%) had an adequate understanding of low vision as per WHO's criteria. However, 47% of participants failed to identify the steps of low vision rehabilitation. Newly graduated practicing optometrists (i.e., those with less than 3 years' experience) had a significantly better understanding of low vision definition and low vision rehabilitation steps, as compared to more experienced optometrists (p <.05). Also, those working in private practices were more likely to consider low vision rehabilitation as less profitable (p =.025, odds ratio = 2.56, CI = 1.1–5.8), compared to those working in hospitals. Discussion: Lack of training and unavailability of low vision devices are major barriers, as perceived by optometrists in Pakistan. Rigorous attempts are needed to educate eye care practitioners specifically optometrists about the availability and usage of low-cost, improved-quality, and up-to-date low vision devices in the country. Implications for p ractitioners: Continuous professional development through refresher courses is crucial to enhance knowledge of low vision rehabilitation. Educating optometrists to adopt a multidisciplinary and empathetic approach toward patient management may improve patients' satisfaction and success with rehabilitative services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is often affected by visual complaints. A previous study suggested that visual complaints are not likely to be related to specific visual functions, but by a global decline of cognitive and visual functioning. In this study, we further explore this hypothesis, by investigating the relation between visual functions and global cognitive functioning, aiming to provide recommendations for rehabilitation for visual complaints. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: A rehabilitation centre for partially sighted and blind people and a MS centre at a university hospital. Participants: 102 people with MS. Main measure: Correlations between assessments of visual functions (acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field, smooth pursuit and saccades) and composite scores of a neuropsychological assessment (tests with a visual component and without a visual component). Results: All composite scores correlated with visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and the sensitivity of the monocular field, but not with smooth pursuit and saccades. Similar patterns were found in various subgroups. Results showed that visual functions that related to visual complaints correlated with a diffuse decline of global cognitive functioning and that visual and cognitive functioning may decline concurrently in people with MS. Conclusions: Visual complaints may occur as a result of a diffuse decline of the integrity of a cerebral network involved in vision and cognition. People with MS with visual complaints may benefit from neurovisual rehabilitation, in which low-vision rehabilitation and neuropsychological rehabilitation are closely intertwined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) driven solutions have the potential to significantly impact individuals with disabilities by providing assistance in their daily activities and facilitating the acquisition of new abilities. The utilisation of AI technology in assisting individuals with disabilities has novel prospects for enhancing accessibility, fostering inclusivity throughout society, and enabling autonomous living, which would otherwise pose considerable challenges or remain unattainable. As the field of AI continues to progress, it holds the potential to facilitate the development of increasingly sophisticated and groundbreaking approaches to tackle the multifaceted obstacles encountered by individuals with disabilities. Consequently, AI has the capacity to foster greater inclusivity for this population. AI driven solutions have the potential to significantly impact individuals with disabilities by providing assistance in their daily activities and facilitating the acquisition of new abilities. Several solutions are being currently developed by numerous startups as well as corporate conglomerates like Google, Microsoft and Apple. An independent and self-sustaining life will be the future normal for persons with disability (PwD) with these rapidly progressing developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth with visual impairments (VIs) often experience unique barriers to physical activity compared with their sighted peers. A psychometrically sound scale for assessing barriers to physical activity for youth with VI is needed to facilitate research. The purpose of this study was to confirm the ability of the previously identified three-factor structure of the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire for youth with Visual Impairments (PABQ-VI) to produce scores considered to be valid and reliable that perform equally well across age, VI severity, and gender. Our results supported the three-factor structure and that the PABQ-VI produces scores considered valid and reliable. Mean, variance, and correlation differences were found in personal, social, and environmental barriers for age and VI severity, but not gender. Researchers can use the PABQ-VI to test and evaluate ways to reduce barriers for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess oculomotor dysfunction and the effectiveness of neuro-optometric visual rehabilitation in improving oculomotor parameters in participants with homonymous hemianopia. Fifty subjects diagnosed with homonymous hemianopia (HH), referred through the neuro-ophthalmology department, were recruited for the study. All the subjects underwent a detailed neuro-optometric evaluation that included testing for sensory, visuo-motor and oculomotor functions. Subjects with homonymous hemianopia were then prescribed with yoked prisms and were randomized to two treatments at one month, namely group 1: yoked prisms (n = 15) and group 2: yoked prisms with in-office visual search training (n = 15). The mean ± SD age of the subjects was 46 ± 12 years. Subjects with HH exhibited a significant delay in the completion time, response and accuracy of tasks on proactive, saccadic and visual search parameters using the SVI compared to age-matched controls (Independent t-test, p < 0.05). A significant improvement in the reading speed and visual search parameters (RM ANOVA, p < 0.001) was seen post neuro-optometric visual rehabilitation with both yoked prisms and SVI. Statistically significant differences were observed in the reaction time of the visual search paradigms between the two rehabilitative modalities yoked (group1), yoked and SVI (group2) (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001), with the group 2 showing better visual search performance outcomes compared to group 1 (yoked). Visual search parameters among participants with homonymous hemianopia improved following combined rehabilitation (yoked prisms and visual search trainng). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings from a study on blindness discourses found in South African non-profit organisations that provide rehabilitation services to visually impaired adults. The paper investigates what the public relations materials of these organisations communicate about blindness. It also considers the ideological assumptions that blindness discourses reinforce and embed in rehabilitation practice. The primary focus is a discourse analytic review conducted on a sample of organisation public facing material. The findings comprise three clusters of assumptions, with concomitant enactments in practice. These are i) third-person alliances around the blind subject and a resulting objectification of service users ii) 'journey discourse' which prohibits the expression of complex disability experiences and iii) polarised blindness fantasies which promote othering and prescribe acceptable ways of being for blind subjects. This paper questions what might be imparted to blind persons at a symbolic level through rehabilitative practices. This article explores the ways that blindness and blind persons are represented on the websites of organisations that provide visual impairment rehabilitation services in South Africa. These representations affect the way that society views visually impaired people, and the way that visually impaired people feel about themselves. Organisation websites describe visually impaired people in ways that make it seem as though they play little active role in the rehabilitation process. The idea that rehabilitation is a journey from dependence and depression to independence and self-acceptance might make it difficult for rehabilitation service users to express ongoing feelings of grief and loss. There is a need for more focus on interdependence in rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation organisations must think carefully about what their public relations materials communicate to society about blindness and blind persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fundamental role of vision during development and the nurturing role of early intersubjectivity have enabled the Robert Hollman Foundation to develop an early intervention program providing holistic support to visually impaired children and their families, where fostering parent-infant interactions is at the heart of our care. The aim of this study is to understand how parents perceive this approach. It is an eleven-year retrospective study of children following the Robert Hollman Foundation's early intervention program, in which parents' (n = 1086) perceptions of quality of care were measured through the administration of a specifically designed 4-point scale questionnaire. Annual longitudinal trends of parents' perceptions were calculated for every single response. Parents reported a very high satisfaction value in 21/23 questions (Mean > 3.7 out of a maximum score of 4, with the highest scores in human and soft skills of professionals) with a statistically positive trend (p < 0.05), throughout the period considered. Our core approach, based on an individualized nurturing relational support, has been appreciated and confirmed by the high satisfaction reported in the questionnaires by parents of children with visual impairment. We therefore hypothesize that parent-infant relationship-based and individualized approaches may help parents achieve better health, well-being, and quality of daily life for their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with visual impairment face significant material challenges to access and inclusion in South Africa. These are in large part rooted in and supported by prejudiced assumptions about the needs, nature and capabilities of this group. The cultural and psychological face of oppression needs to be attended to. To this end, this viewpoint brings together the work of three visually impaired scholars in three key areas pertaining to the promotion of the inclusion and citizenship of visually impaired persons in South Africa. These areas are education; rehabilitation; and social inclusion and visibility. This work argues that undoing lifelong exclusion requires examining how disablism is embedded in the very fabric of our societies and operational at various levels: material, administrative, cultural and relational. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent emphasis within the literature on developing personal agency of learners with vision impairment through specialist educational provision to enable them to have control over their own life as independent and active individuals, little attention seems to be given to investigating how learners with vision impairment promote their independence skills in schools in Turkey. This study examined the views of 12 young people with vision impairment (aged between 16 and 19) studying at upper-level secondary schools through semi-structured interviews to gain an insight into how young people with vision impairment perceive enablers and barriers to their independence prior to starting higher education in Turkey. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed the following four superordinate themes relating to young people's perceptions on internal and external factors affecting their independence and readiness for higher education: (1) personal characteristics (i.e., maturity, level of vision), (2) parental factors (i.e., feeling dependent to parents, parental attitudes), (3) educational support (i.e., access to curriculum, independent living skills training), and (4) people's attitudes (i.e., low expectation, limited knowledge). Demonstrating the views of young people with vision impairment, this article has significance for inclusive educational practice and policy in Turkey since it provides evidence for professionals in considering how they may well provide educational support in order for young people with vision impairment to develop their personal agency. This article also offers valuable insights to previous research in different national contexts as it presents distinctive insights into how young people with vision impairment in Turkey identify the factors that enable or hinder their independence and participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the most common cause of visual impairment in children in the United Kingdom. The mainstay of management is providing strategies and environment adaptations to allow the child to use their vision for learning and independence. It is therefore important to understand educational access policies to facilitate timely and appropriate referral to qualified teachers for learners with visual impairment (QTVI) by ophthalmologists. QTVIs were recruited from VIEW (Visual Impairment England and Wales) and the Scottish Sensory Centre (QTVI organisations) via email, newsletter and social media. Respondents were directed to an online electronic questionnaire. 116 responses were received; this represents around 18% response rate. All services accepted referrals for children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The majority of services (97%) did not have a strict visual acuity threshold for children with CVI. There is an inconsistent approach in the diagnosis of CVI across the United Kingdom, with some QTVI expressing concern that this had prevented children with visual dysfunction from accessing help. QTVI indicated they would welcome more referrals for Cerebral VI, at an earlier age, and that a formalised referral pathway would be beneficial. Children with CVI are accepted for support by QTVI/sensory services regardless of visual acuity. Some services welcomed referrals for children undergoing assessment where CVI had yet to be confirmed. However, the formal diagnosis of CVI by an ophthalmologist as a pre-requisite to access services in other areas emphasises the need to improve clinicians' confidence in the diagnosis of CVI. Ophthalmologists are encouraged to engage with local QTVI/sensory teams to facilitate exchange of information and appropriate and timely referral of children in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the attitudes of currently certified orientation and mobility specialists toward orientation and mobility specialists who are blind when teaching orientation and mobility to persons who are visually impaired. Based on the literature review, little to no research has been conducted on attitudes of certified orientation and mobility specialists towards colleagues who are blind. A survey was designed to address this gap by investigating attitudes and perceptions of these specialists toward their colleagues who are blind. The results were significantly positive in all areas except the item concerning accommodations. The accommodations statement was worded in such a manner that the data were actually positive in regard to perceptions about the abilities of blind certified orientation and mobility specialists. Participants gave the highest ratings to professional development. This was followed by the orientation and mobility skillsets for intersection and Q&A. The correlations of the attitude scores were generally positive and statistically significant as well. These findings demonstrate a positive trend in the attitudes of certified orientation and mobility specialists toward orientation and mobility specialists who are blind. The results are another step toward the realization that vision may not be a required component for orientation and mobility instruction. This study serves as a point of comparison for future research to determine if this attitude is truly a trend. Positive trends may indicate equitable opportunities for orientation and mobility specialists who are blind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented in scope and nature, altering everyday life for people across the United States. One major change involved how schools provided educational services. Prior to the pandemic, schools used in-person instruction as their service delivery model for educational and education-related services, such as services for the blind and visually impaired. To document the effects of this historic event, an exploratory survey through Qualtrics was conducted on the perceptions of (a) teachers of students with visual impairments and (b) orientation and mobility specialists in four categories: service delivery models, student demographics, instruction and engagement, and preparation and training. Percentages were calculated with closed questions, and open-ended responses were used to clarify the data. There were some significant post-hoc correlations between ability to provide educational services and instructional delivery models. The results have implications for practitioners and professionals working in higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Braille reading consists of three basic components: tactile sensitivity, memorization of dot placement, and positional perception or detection of the location of the dots within the braille cell. Difficulty in any of those three areas leads to trouble decoding words. The presence of a visual spatial learning disability greatly decreases a student's ability to determine positional perception. Multi-sensory reading strategies have proven effective for sighted readers who have learning disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of multi-sensory strategies when used with a braille reader with a visual spatial learning disability. In this study, they were proven effective. Strategies used with this student will be shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite effective vision rehabilitation (VR) interventions, no gold standard model of care delivery has been established. The institution of the South East Ontario Vision Rehabilitation Service (SOVRS) introduced a centralized intake, an occupational therapist as a systems navigator, and improved communication pathways between low vision services in order to optimize regional VR care. The aim of this study is to compare the SOVRS model of VR to a traditional, hospital-based pre-SOVRS-implementation model using referral data. A single-site (Vision Rehabilitation Clinic at Kingston Health Sciences Center), retrospective medical chart review was performed. Data were gathered from the electronic medical records of patients who received a low vision assessment at the pre-SOVRS-implementation clinic (2017) and the SOVRS clinics (2019). A total of 245 charts were reviewed over the two study periods. There were no significant differences in the age, gender, or diagnoses causing vision loss between 2017 and 2019. One hundred nine incoming referrals were received in 2017, with 136 in 2019, representing a 25% increase in incoming referrals (p <.001). The proportion of incoming referrals from non-ophthalmologists rose from 3.7% in 2017 to 31.9% in 2019 (p <.001). The number of outgoing referrals also increased significantly, from 113 outgoing referrals in 2017 to 259 in 2019 (p <.001), equivalent to a mean of 1.04 ± 0.68 (± standard deviation) outgoing referrals per incoming referral in 2017 and 1.90 ± 0.97 outgoing referrals per incoming referral in 2019. Outgoing service referrals also diversified significantly in 2019 (p <.001), with more referrals to services such as VR health service organizations and community services. The SOVRS model was able to increase both the quantity and diversity of incoming and outgoing referrals by adopting several key strategies during its development. By expanding referrals, SOVRS increased the services available to patients and enabled a larger population to receive VR care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]