[Critical analysis of the progressive performance of low vision in Benjamin Constant Institute].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effectiveness of the Low Vision the Benjamin Constant Institute (BCI) and confirm the real necessity of an Institute like BCI in the present inclusion policy.


METHODS
Ecological study, analyzing 3 periods of Low Vision Assistance at the Benjamin Constant Institute from October 1, 1990 to December 20, 2002: a) 1991--starting assistance; b) 1995--medical pedagogic integration; c) 2002--present-day situation. We considered in this analysis as indicators: I--Low Vision Assistance, II--Low Vision sector in the Benjamin Constant Institute, III--Associates.


RESULTS
This study demonstrated an increase in assistance, reaching a wider spectrum of patients after medical-pedagogic integration. Other indicators, such as physician capacitation, participation in Benjamin Constant Capacitation Courses, increase in orientation to institutions, schools and others and referrals to the Benjamin Constant Institute, and Rehabilitation also attest the effectiveness of the Low Vision sector of the Benjamin Constant Institute.


CONCLUSIONS
The Low Vision sector proved to be the interface between the Medical and Pedagogic Departments, and later on the Rehabilitation and Physical Education Coordination sectors. This has implied alterations in the way to manage the low-vision patient, not only regarding the regular Benjamin Constant Institute student as well as any other patient in the community. The Benjamin Constant Institute proved its importance as regards inclusion policy.
Costa Filho
Helder Alves da
HA
Setor de Visão Subnormal, Instituto Benjamin Constant, Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
Berezovsky
Adriana
A
D000047:Academies and Institutes / Q000266:history / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000266:history / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D060329:Education of Persons with Visual Disabilities; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000592:standards; D012935:Social Justice / Q000592:standards; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*