1. The Definitions and Demographics of Low Vision

2. • Low Vision • Partial Sight • Visual Impairment Reduced VA which even with the best optical correction provided by regular lenses still results in a visual performance on a standardised clinical test which is less than that expected for a patient of that age.

3. • impairment • disability • handicap The reduction in performance to below normal levels on some standard test of visual function. The lack, loss or reduction in the ability of a person to perform some task The fact or the feeling that a patient is placed at some disadvantage in society and cannot live their life as they might expect.

4. Loss of earning potential Reading problem VA loss central scotoma ARMD Loss of independence Mobility problem Peripheral field loss Glaucoma Loss of independence Night driving problem Disability glare cataract Social consequences Visual skills & abilities Functional changes Ocular disease Visual Handicap Visual Disability Visual Impairment Visual Disorder

6. Legal Blindness Most developed countries have social care systems which Provide benefits and care to certain groups. Registration is usually necessary in order to be eligible. Registration is undertaken in order to: • assess what health and social work resources will be needed for the number of visually impaired people in a particular area. • act as the patient’s passport to appropriate welfare benefits.

7. Therefore some legal definition of blindness is required. There are problems in achieving a consistent definition of Blindness. - WHO (1966) identified some 65 different definitions of blindness. - some countries (e.g. UK) have dual categories of partial sight and blindness.

9. There is obviously much scope for interpretation with this kind of definition therefore attempts have been made to quantify the degree of impairment: Blind - 3/60 or worse or, 6/60 or worse with markedly restricted fields Partial Sight - 3/60 – 6/60 with full visual field or, 6/24 or worse with moderate field constriction or, 6/18or better with gross field defect.

10. The BD8 form Patients can only be registered by an ophthalmologist who completes a BD8 form (BP1- Scotland, A655 – N.Ireland). Record of Examination to Certify a Person As Blind or Partially Sighted Advantages: • increases in tax allowances • reduction in TV licence • free General Ophthalmic Services • VAT exemptions on products designed for the disabled.

11. Legislation Relating to Low Vision The National Assistance Act 1948 Section 26 lays down the responsibilities of the local authority for those registered as blind and partially sighted. Additional to the Blind Persons Act 1920 • keeping registers of blind and partially sighted • providing a social work service, advice and support for those living at home or elsewhere • making available facilities for rehabilitation and for adjustment to the disability (e.g. teaching Braille). • providing facilities for social, recreational, occupational and cultural activities

12. The Chronically Sick and Disabled Act 1970 Dictates that an even wider range of services to be offered by the local Authority: • practical help and home adaptations • supply of radio/television • installation and rental charges for telephone • meals in the home or elsewhere.

13. The National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 Legislates to provide those people with visual impairments with care services tailored to their own individual needs. A ‘care plan’ is devised which describes the unique requirements of the particular individual. If a need is identified which the local authority does not have the staff to provide then it is required to buy in the services

14. Demographics of Low Vision

15. The World-Wide demographics of Low Vision

16. The Global distribution of Blindness % blind from 37.9 28.3 0.9 13.5 15.5 41.8 Total (% of total blind) 2.4 1.1 2.3 6.7 3.6 5.8 8.9 7.1 89.0 85.0 27.4 27.6 23.4 19.8 20.0 19.8 0 0 0.1 0 0 0 5.1 0.9 7.5 6.7 7.9 22.6 5.7 16.8 12.8 12.0 0 0 6.9 17.5 25.7 23.5 9.7 19.4 3.5 8.3 57.7 32.3 45.2 39.9 57.5 43.7 Europe, USA, Japan, NZ Former Communist European states Latin America & Caribbean China Middle East Other Asia & Islands India Sub-Saharan Africa TOTAL (millions) Others Oncho- Cerciasis Glaucoma Trachoma Cataract Region

17. Major causes of Blindness World-wide Cataract 42% Trachoma 15.5% Glaucoma 13.5% Onchocerciasis 0.9% Others 28.1%

18. The UK Perspective

19. Demographic information on low vision can be taken from 3 sources: 1. Low Vision Clinics 2. Blindness Registration Data 3. Disability Questionnaires There are difficulties with each of these sources.

20. The total number of those registered as blind and partially sighted In the UK. 79,050 93,780 115,710 1988 1991 1994 126, 830 136,200 149,670 Partially Sighted Year Blind

21. Registration (via BD8) - Avoidance of social stigma - Poor appreciation of low vision - Voluntary Result Under registration According to an RNIB study (Bruce et al., 1991) x 4 more People are eligible for registration

22. Elliot et al., (1997) Invest Ophthalmol & Vis Sci Age profile of Px’s who visit low vision clinics 0-14 15-34 35-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85+ 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Female Male Age group (years) Percentage

24. 20 50 80 0-17 18-49 50-64 65-74 >75 Registration Figures for England in 1994 0 10 30 40 60 70 Age Group Blind Partially sighted 65-74 Percentage of Total

25. ARMD 75.49% Other 10.39% Glaucoma 6.01% Diabetic ret. 4.57% Cataract 3.53% Major causes of Blindness in the UK in > 65yrs

26. Actual & Projected increase in population > 85 yrs

27. Comparisons

28. The role of the Optometrist Early detection of pathology If impairment is not avoided then will be involved in the assessment and prescription of an appropriate Low Vision Aid (LVA). magnifiers (hand, stand, flat field etc.) telescopes spectacle microscopes and so on.

29. What do Pxs want from a low vision examination? Personal reading 75.17% Daily living activities 14.45% Other 7.32% Watching TV 3.06%

30. 5.2 9.1 1.2 15.7 9.9 18.2 27.7 5.7 7.3 Absolute blindness (NPL) Perception of light Perception of light with detection of direction 6/240 6/240 – 6/120 6/120 – 6/60 6/60 Restricted visual fields with acuity > 6/60 Unknown % of blind population Visual Impairment

32. Service delivery model

33. The Multi-disciplinary Approach to Low-vision Care. The consequences of visual impairment may affect many aspects of a Px’s life. Any low vision treatment must include a comprehensive look at all the individual’s needs (vocational, educational, social, psychological,financial, optometric, medical …..). Ophthalmologist Optometrist Social workers Occupational Therapist Rehabilitation worker