The newly established primary care based Welsh Low Vision Service is effective and has improved access to low vision services in Wales.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether the new, primary care based, Welsh Low Vision Service (WLVS) improved access to low vision services in Wales and was effective.


METHODS
The impact of the WLVS was determined by measuring the number of low vision appointments; travel time to the nearest service provider; and waiting times for low vision services for 1 year before, and for 1 year after, its establishment. Change in self-report visual function (using the 7 item NEI-VFQ), near visual acuity, patient satisfaction and use of low vision aids were used to determine the effectiveness of the service.


RESULTS
Following instigation of the WLVS, the number of low vision assessments increased by 51.7%, the waiting time decreased from more than 6 months to less than 2 months for the majority of people, and journey time to the nearest service provider reduced for 80% of people. Visual disability scores improved significantly (p < 0.001) by 0.79 logits and 97.42% patients found the service helpful.


CONCLUSIONS
The extension of low vision rehabilitation services into primary care identified a considerable unmet burden of need as evidenced by the substantial increase in the number of low vision assessments provided in Wales. The new service is effective and exhibits improved access.
Ryan
Barbara
B
Cardiff School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, UK.
White
Sean
S
Wild
John
J
Court
Helen
H
Margrain
Tom H
TH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D015354:Vision, Low; D014852:Wales; D055815:Young Adult