National survey of the impact of low vision device use among veterans.

BACKGROUND

This report presents the results of a 2-year study of veterans' use of low vision devices (LVDs) which were prescribed and dispensed through he Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRCs) and Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

METHODS

Two-hundred veterans using 740 LVDs were surveyed by telephone 12 to 24 months after the prescription/dispensing of the devices. Reliability (test-retest) and validity (content, criterion-related, and construct) were established for the survey. Primary analysis of the data was accomplished through tabular presentations. Factor analyses were used to describe prescription and use patterns.

RESULTS

Most (85.4%) of the devices were still in use. Having a helper in the home was a demographic variable related to continued use. Neither age, acuity, nor etiology were related to continued use. Strong prescription and use patterns emerged. Most veterans reported receiving > 20 h of training and > 20 h of practice in the use of their LVDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Most veterans who receive LVDs through the service delivery system of the Department of Veterans Affairs appear to use them for a wide variety of daily tasks and reported that they obtain a great deal of benefit from their use.