Characteristics of low-vision rehabilitation services in the United States.
OBJECTIVE
To describe characteristics of services, providers, and patients in low-vision rehabilitation entities serving adults in the United States.


METHODS
Entities (excluding Veterans Affairs clinics) were identified through professional associations, Web searches, and a telephone survey to retina practices. A census obtained information on entity types, provider types, rehabilitation services available, and clientele. Surveys were administered by telephone, fax, e-mail, or mail, whichever was preferred by the respondent.


RESULTS
A total of 1228 low-vision rehabilitation service entities were identified, with 608 surveyed (49.5% response rate). Almost half (42.7%) were private optometry practices. State agencies had the highest number of clients per week (45.0 clients per week) whereas private optometry practices had the lowest (4.1 clients per week). Most (> or =88.0%) established rehabilitation goals, fit optical aids with basic training, and conducted eye examinations. Scanning, eccentric viewing, orientation and mobility, and advanced device training were less commonly offered (25%-50% of entities). Central vision impairment was the most common deficit (74.1% of clients), with age-related macular degeneration being the most common cause (67.1%). Among the clients, 85.9% had problems reading and 67.7% had problems driving; 44.9% had adjustment disorders. Almost 1 in 3 clients was aged 80 years or older.


CONCLUSIONS
This census for the first time characterizes usual-care low-vision rehabilitation services in the United States for nonveteran adults.
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0009, USA. owsley@uab.edu
Cynthia
C
Owsley
Gerald
G
McGwin
Paul P
PP
Lee
Nicole
N
Wasserman
Karen
K
Searcey
D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009907:Optometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*