Preference of Near-optical Low-vision Devices among Patients with Low Vision Attending Low-vision Clinic of a Tertiary Eye Hospital in Nepal

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the preference for near-optical low-vision devices by patients visiting the low-vision clinic of a tertiary eye hospital. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 66 participants at the Low Vision Department of Lumbini Eye Institute and Research Center, Rupandehi, Nepal, from April 2023 to September 2023. A nonprobability, purposive sampling technique was used for sampling. Patients with the best-corrected visual acuity worse than 6/18 to Perception of light (PL) were included in the study. A detailed ophthalmological evaluation, visual acuity assessment, distance and near refractive correction, and low-vision evaluation were done. The patient’s preference for a low-vision device was assessed during low-vision evaluation based on visual acuity improvement and the patient’s subjective response. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software, version 17.0. Results: Among 66 patients, 40 were male and 26 were female. The mean age of patients was 28.50 ± 18.350 years. Overall 47 patients preferred near-optical low-vision devices. Among them, handheld (HH), stand, and spectacle magnifiers were preferred by 44.6%, 40.4%, and 14.9% of patients, respectively. The major causes of low vision were retinitis pigmentosa (16.7%) followed by nystagmus (15.2%). Conclusion: HH magnifiers were the most commonly preferred devices in a short period with proper counseling and demonstration. Identifying the preferred low-vision devices can help develop and implement the low-vision rehabilitation service effectively and reduce patient chair time for selecting low-vision devices.