title: Optical aids for low vision: use of the Internet to guide teachers of the visually impaired.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe and interpret teachers' opinions about and responsiveness to guidance on optical aids for low vision.
  
  
  METHODS
  It was conducted a cross-sectional analytical study. The convenience, non-random sample consisted of 58 teachers from the public school network of the city of Campinas. It was constructed and applied a structured questionnaire, available online at the assessed website. For qualitative data collection it was conducted an exploratory study using the focus group technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Responses expressed, for the most part, a marked interest in the website, its easiness of access, and the comprehensive nature of the information provided. Most people reported frequent use of the Internet to seek information, and found it easier to access the Internet at home. Among the qualitative aspects of the evaluation, we should mention the perceived importance of the website as a source of information, despite some criticism about the accessibility and reliability of the information found on the Internet.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Teachers' need for training to deal with visually impaired students and their positive response to advice and information lead to the conclusion that web-based guidelines on the use of optical aids were considered beneficial to ease the understanding of visual impairment and the rehabilitation of the affected subjects.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Capinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil. gelsebeatriz@gmail.com
authors.forename: Gelse Beatriz Martins
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Monteiro
authors.forename: Edméa Rita
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Temporini
authors.forename: Keila Monteiro de
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Carvalho
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D060329:Education of Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000379:methods*; D005178:Faculty; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution; D055096:Optical Devices; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012574:Schools; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000534:rehabilitation*