Use of Self-management Group to Improve Quality of Life in Patients With Low Vision

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess if Attending an Interactive, Self-management Group, 'Living With Vision Loss', in Addition to Having Vision Rehabilitation in Our Clinic, Improves Patients' Quality of Life

120 Patients with visual acuity <6/12 will be randomized to receive either usual care or participate in a 6-week, 2 hour 'Living with Vision Loss' program led by trained leaders. We hypothesize that a structured self-management low-vision rehabilitation program provides a greater improvement in participation in daily activities, and improves quality of life in vision-impaired people compared to the provision of the usual low vision rehabilitation services. We also plan to document barriers that prevent patients with low vision (visual acuity <6/12) from participating in self-management course.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clients who have attended the MEEI Vision Rehabilitation for the first time within 12 months
• Visual acuity of <6/12 in the better eye with habitual correction
• Age 55+ years
• Living independently (not in a nursing home)
• English speaking
• No cognitive impairment
• Adequate hearing to respond to normal conversation

Exclusion Criteria:

• vestibular disease