Use of spectacle mounted telescope systems by the visually impaired.
BACKGROUND
Spectacle mounted telescope low vision aids are designed to magnify objects Spectacle telescopes are often rejected by the visually impaired because of their unusual cosmetic appearance which may call attention to their disability.


METHODS
Fifty-six subjects were recruited at four independent low vision clinics and divided into two categories: 24 were current wearers of expanded field spectacle mounted telescope systems, and 32 were new wearers. New wearers underwent a randomized cross-over trial, comparing the experimental device (Ocutech VES) to one of two controls (DFV Expanded Field or Walter's Keplarian Close-focus Telescope).


RESULTS
Our data show that previous telescope wearers increased their use of telescopes after introduction of the experimental device (Ocutech VES) and there was an equivalent utilization rate for new wearers.


CONCLUSIONS
Visual activity patterns are not a sensitive measure of telescope benefit, but frequency of use patterns do change and appear to demonstrate a valid benefit of spectacle mounted telescopes for the visually impaired.
H A
HA
Greene
J
J
Pekar
R
R
Brilliant
P B
PB
Freeman
H T
HT
Lewis
R
R
Siwoff
D J
DJ
Madden
R E
RE
Westlund
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005139:Eyeglasses; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012682:Sensory Aids; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology