How effective is the new community-based Welsh low vision service?

Court, H., Ryan, B., Bunce, C. and Margrain, T.H. (2011) How effective is the new community-based Welsh low vision service? British Journal of Ophthalmology, 95(2), pp. 178-184. (doi: 10.1136/bjo.2010.179606)

Abstract

<br>Aims: To determine if there was a significant difference between user-centred and clinical outcomes in people with low vision who attended a new community-based low vision service (CLVS) or the hospital-based low vision service (HBLV).</br> <br>Methods: A prospective controlled before and after study. Participants were recruited from the CLVS (n=343; 96 male, 247 female; median age 82 years) and from the HLVS (n=145; 55 male, 90 female; median age 80 years). The primary outcome measure was change (baseline to 3 months) in visual disability as evaluated by the seven-item National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). Secondary outcome measures included: use of low vision aids, satisfaction with the service provided and change in near visual acuity before and after the provision of low vision aids.</br> <br>Results: There were no significant differences in user-centred and clinical outcome measures between the CLVS and HLVS. Self-reported visual disability was significantly reduced after low vision service intervention for participants in both groups by 0.46 and 0.57 logits in the HLVS and CLVS, respectively.</br> <br>Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence that CLVS and HLVS are effective methods of service provision in Wales.</br>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Court, Dr Helen
• Authors: Court, H., Ryan, B., Bunce, C., and Margrain, T.H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: British Journal of Ophthalmology
• ISSN: 0007-1161
• ISSN (Online): 1468-2079