Development of an ICT Platform-Awareness System for the Support of Low Vision

Development of an ICT Platform-Awareness System for the Support of Low Vision

Low Vision (LV) has a detrimental impact on Quality of Life (QoL) of affected individual's and is considered a major healthcare problem according to World Health Organization. The primary objective of this study is the development of an integrated ICT platform-awareness system for the assistance of individuals with LV for the evaluation of visual ability. It is of high importance to develop and apply appropriate strategies aiming at the improvement of daily living and access to healthcare services of patients with LV. Secondary objectives are the evaluation of a suite of supportive mobile applications (magnification, reading, etc)'' for individuals with LV in order to improve their ability to perform daily activities and the development of a new questionnaire to assess the functionality and quality of life of individuals with LV.Investigators will conduct an effectiveness study to determine if the features of LIFE4LV platform provide low vision patients and their physicians with appropriate benefits.

Low Vision (LV) refers to a significant impairment of vision without the possibility of improvement by any therapeutic intervention, affecting significantly the abilities of LV individuals. In the 10th revision of the WHO International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Injuries and Causes of Death, 'low vision' is defined as visual acuity of less than 6/18 but equal to or better than 3/60, or a corresponding visual field loss to less than 20°, in the better eye with the best possible correction.

The aim of the current study is to explore innovative strategies to support individuals with LV using new digital technologies developed in the field of information and these applications to assist these patients.

The development of a patient digital file is an additional part of innovation since the possible changes during the course of the disease could be detected and recorded.

Specifically, the current study aims at the development of an integrated ICT platform-awareness system for the support of LV individuals, including a digital platform for the evaluation of visual ability of LV patients in concert with their physician.

Specifically, objectives of the study are:

• The development of the digital platform consisted of applications assessing basic parameters of the visual function. The platform aims to improve the level of patient's follow up and communication with their physician and does not replace the physical examination in any case.
• Additionally, the election of supportive mobile applications (magnification, reading, etc)'' for individuals with LV in a form of a supportive suite of digital tools may facilitate the performance of basic activities.
• Another objective is the design and validation of a new questionnaire to assess the functionality and the quality of life of Greek individuals with LV.
• The development of a training handbook/manual is also considered as an important parameter to provide patients with appropriate instructions for the correct use of the assistive digital tools and applications. The above manual aims to improve the utilization of the digital platform and the suite, as some parameters should be evaluated under the appropriate conditions and requires a period of education, especially when individuals are not familiar with digital media

Inclusion Criteria

1. Visual acuity in the better-seeing eye 20/50-20/400
2. Visual field at least 10 degrees
3. Informed written consent to the processing of personal data

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Younger than 18 years of age
2. Severe mental disorder (any type of dementia, under medication that affects mental function, etc.) or neurological problems that cause difficulty in communication
3. End-stage diseases (chronic kidney disease, cancer, liver failure, etc.), which may affect their performance and their ability
4. Severe mobility problems
5. Active or rapidly progressive eye disease in an acute phase that can affect directly visual performance e.g. intravitreal hemorrhage
6. Ocular diseases causing reversible visual impairment (e.g. cataract, uncorrected refractive errors etc.)
7. Not receiving topical or systemic treatment with known toxic effects on the lens, retina or optic nerve (e.g. ethambutol, chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, etc.)