Impact of an interdisciplinary low vision service on the quality of life of low vision patients.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the impact of an interdisciplinary low vision service on the vision related quality of life of service users.


METHODS
71 patients were interviewed 2 weeks before their appointment with the service and again 6 months later to assess any changes in their vision related quality of life. The majority of these patients had age related macular degeneration.


RESULTS
After contact with the service the majority of patients indicated a reduction in concern about most quality of life issues. They were significantly less anxious about deterioration of their vision, safety within the home, and coping with everyday life.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in many areas of their vision related quality of life indicate that this interdisciplinary low vision service has a positive impact on the lives of service users. However many patients were still unable to carry out their preferred everyday activities, and feelings of loneliness and isolation were unchanged. The identification of issues unrelieved by input from the service will be important in planning future service delivery.
Hinds
A
A
Public Health Department, Fife NHS Board, Fife, UK. alison.hinds@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Sinclair
A
A
Park
J
J
Suttie
A
A
Paterson
H
H
Macdonald
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*