Randomized Trial of Tablet Computers for Education and Learning in Children and Young People with Low Vision

Abstract

SIGNIFICANCEMobile devices such as tablet computers have become widely available as mainstream devices and are also used in some schools, but there is an absence of robust information regarding the efficacy of any optical/electronic low vision device or tablet computer in supporting education of young people with low vision.PURPOSEA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is needed to measure the impact of tablet computers on education, specifically on independent access to educational material, in children and young people with low vision. We conducted a pilot RCT to determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale trial.METHODSThis was a randomized multicenter pilot trial across two sites in the United Kingdom and one site in India. Forty children and young people aged 10 to 18 years with low vision (best-corrected visual acuity for distance between <20/60 [0.48 logMAR] and 20/400 [1.30 logMAR] in the better eye) in the United Kingdom (n = 20) and India (n = 20) were randomized to two parallel arms, with a 1:1 allocation ratio, to control (n = 20) or intervention (n = 20). Control group participants received standard low vision care. The intervention group received a tablet computer (iPad) with low vision applications and instruction in its use, including accessibility features. Four primary outcomes included (1) 6-month recruitment rate, (2) retention of participants for 3 months, (3) acceptance/usage of device, and (4) accessibility of device.RESULTSNineteen participants (95%) enrolled within 6 months in the United Kingdom, and 20 participants (100%), in India. Retention at 3 months was 85% (n = 17) in the United Kingdom and 95% (n = 19) in India. More than one half of participants reported using a tablet computer at school at least once every day. The majority (90%) found it easily accessible.CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated that it is feasible to recruit children and young people with low vision into an international multicenter RCT of electronic assistive technology. Regardless of geographical location, children and young people with low vision reported using tablet computers at least once a day at school and accessed them easily.

Refraction and Low Vision Rehabilitation in Patients with Oculocutaneous Albinism

“…In recent years, tablets (iPad, Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA), which have special programs for low vision, have started to replace telescopic glasses in aid and rehabilitation for low vision individuals. In a randomized controlled study, young patients with low vision using classic low vision assistive devices and using iPad were compared, it was found that 90% of patients using iPad reported using their tablets at least once a day and found it easier 18 .…”

Optic atrophy in children: Current causes and diagnostic approach

“…In addition, all children with sight impairment benefit from early support, enabling visual habilitation and access to educational support. 12–15…”

Multidisciplinary visual rehabilitation in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

“…Fifteen papers met the eligibility criteria: fourteen journal articles, and one PhD thesis (24) (the protocol had been published separately (25)). Of these eleven were identified from the database search (26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34) and four from elsewhere (including the PhD related to a paper identified through the search which was sent by the author (24), and two from systematic reviews (35,36)). We were unable to obtain a translation of one fulltext (37).…”

“…The 15 included studies were all undertaken in middle-income countries (India (7 studies), Turkey (4 studies), Nigeria (2 studies), Croatia (1 study), Iran (1 study)). Of the seven trials in India, five were undertaken in Hyderabad (24,30,31,33,38), and one of these was located in both the UK and India (33). Seven studies included children only (26-28, 30, 33, 36, 39), with a total number of participants ranging between 20 and 183, and five of which recruited children from special schools/schools for the blind (26-28, 36, 39).…”