Use and non-use of low vision aids by visually impaired children.

The results of this study indicated that children do use and benefit from low vision aids and that the child's need for near low vision aids can be predicted from their age, unmagnified reading performance, and visual field characteristics. The use of distance monoculars is less easily predicted. However, many visually impaired children both in mainstream special units and in schools for the blind are not being supplied appropriate low vision aids (LVAs). Many have not had an LVA assessment within 1 year and others are experiencing difficulties with LVAs that could be eliminated or reduced.