CREATE - Children Reading With Electronic Assistance To Educate

Tablet Computers Versus Optical Aids to Support Education and Learning in Children and Young People With Low Vision: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) will test the methodology for a full RCT of assistive technologies for children/young people with low vision/blindness. The investigators will recruit 40 students age 10-18 years in India and the UK, who will be randomised into two groups. Apple iPads will be the active intervention; the control arm will be the local standard low-vision aid care. Primary outcomes will be acceptance/usage and accessibility of the device and trial feasibility measures. Exploratory outcomes will be validated measures of vision-related quality of life for children/young people as well as validated measures of reading and educational outcomes. In addition, the investigators will carry out semistructured interviews with the participants and their teachers, and attempt to evaluate cost-effectiveness.

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria:

• age 10-18 years
• low vision, defined as "best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance between - less than 6/18 (0.48 logMAR) and 3/60 (1.30 logMAR) in the better eye" (WHO) ability to read printed material
• no previous or current use of a tablet computer for educational purposes We will include students who have access to a tablet computer already, but only use it for recreational purposes. We will also include students who use a laptop. We will also include students who use or have previously used optical low-vision aids such as magnifiers, telescopes and CCTV systems.

Exclusion Criteria:

• current or previous use of a tablet computer for educational purposes