Outcomes of Multidisciplinary Low-Vision Rehabilitation Using Two Questionnaires and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a low-vision service by using three tools and to identify the specific outcomes obtained from each instrument. Materials and Methods: Patients consecutively visiting the low-vision clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, were enrolled. The impact of the prescribed rehabilitation on patient quality of life was measured using three tools: the Low-Vision Quality-Of-Life Questionnaire (LVQOL); the generic EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire (EQ-5D); and the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (WHO-ICF). Results: Out of the 104 patients recruited, 76 patients (mean age, 53 ± 16.2 years) completed the questionnaires before and after rehabilitation, which was assessed after 5.8 ± 2.0 months. Post-rehabilitation, the time of followup, patients had significant improvements in the mean scores of both the LVQOL scores and mean EQ-5D scores compared to before rehabilitation (P < 0.001), with Cohen’s effect sizes of 0.85 and 0.67, respectively. Subgroup analyses by age, severity, and cause of visual impairment also showed significant improvements in the LVQOL (P < 0.05), but not the EQ-5D score in the blindness severity subgroup. The ICF scores also showed significant improvement in most domains, including seeing functions, mobility across different locations, transportation use, meal preparation, economic self-sufficiency, community life, and recreational activities (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Patients with low vision experienced significant improvements following vision rehabilitation, especially in terms of seeing functions and mobility. Evaluation by different questionnaire types could provide additional information. The WHO-ICF was effective in assessing each domain related to activity performance and participation.