What do Different Visual Function Questionnaires Measure?

Abstract

The four VFQs measure the same vision-related functional ability variable in low vision patients that is separate from and independent of the physical and mental health variables measured by the SF-36.

The effect of intravitreal bevacizumab treatment on choroidal metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma—case report

“…With recent studies suggesting that the NEIVFQ measures not QOL but visual functioning, establishing the underlying latent trait in this popular questionnaire assumes greater significance. 4 Therefore, researchers should perform a PCA of residuals to establish unidimensionality (or lack of unidimensionality thereof) during assessment of questionnaires.…”

Relationship between functional vision and balance and mobility performance in community-dwelling older adults

“…Several functional vision questionnaires have been developed to measure vision impairment caused by cataracts (Massof and Ahmadian 2007). Later assessments of self-rated functional vision were proposed to be useful for vision screening of community-dwelling older adults (Valbuena et al 1999) and for assessing their risk of falling (Kamel et al 2000).…”

Remediating serious flaws in the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire

“…Although there is overlap between these 2 concepts, evidence suggests they are not interchangeable. 14 Recent studies [15][16][17][18][19][20] indicate that the NEI VFQ does not measure quality of life but does measure visual functioning. Therefore, the key questions are as follows: How many constructs does the NEI VFQ measure, and what do they represent?…”

“…These attributes have led to growing recognition of the value of Rasch analysis in the development or revalidation of questionnaires, 24 and the method is now used widely in ophthalmology. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] As with other instruments, 20,[32][33][34][35] it is appropriate to test the psychometric properties of the NEI VFQ using Rasch analysis. In particular, we used Rasch analysis because it would be useful for validating the unidimensionality of the NEI VFQ and for obtaining an interval-level measurement scale.…”

“…In particular, we used Rasch analysis because it would be useful for validating the unidimensionality of the NEI VFQ and for obtaining an interval-level measurement scale. Previous studies 19,20,36,37 assessed the interval-level properties of the NEI VFQ in a lowvision population, but only for a subset of visual functioning items. Thus, the studies provide limited insight into the performance of the NEI VFQ in its native form.…”