Barriers to the Utilization and Acceptance of Low Vision Devices among Patients at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi
Barriers to the Utilization and Acceptance of Low Vision Devices among Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i1.3466Keywords:
Low Vision, Assistive Devices, Barriers, Affordability, Rehabilitation, Visual ImpairmentAbstract
Low vision significantly impairs daily functioning and quality of life, yet the acceptance and sustained use of low vision devices remain limited. Understanding barriers to utilization is crucial for developing effective rehabilitation strategies, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where access to vision care is constrained. Objectives: To determine the frequency of acceptance and to identify barriers influencing the utilization of low vision devices among patients with visual impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi. A total of 150 patients aged 15–70 years with low vision were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Demographic, occupational, and clinical characteristics were recorded, and patients were asked about their acceptance of LVDs. Those who declined were further interviewed regarding barriers. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, applying Chi-square and t-tests, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Overall acceptance was 37%, while 63% declined the use. Acceptance was highest among patients aged 31–45 years (39.3%) and lecturers (69.2%). Diagnosis was significantly associated with acceptance (p=0.010), with higher uptake in maculopathy (35.7%) and pathological myopia (55.6%) compared to retinitis pigmentosa (14.3%) and optic atrophy (8.3%). Affordability emerged as the most critical barrier (41.6% among non-acceptors), while stigma, awareness, and usage difficulty were reported but not statistically significant. Conclusions: Acceptance of LVDs remains suboptimal, with affordability as the dominant barrier. Tailored counseling, structured training, and financial support mechanisms are essential to improve device uptake and enhance quality of life for individuals with low vision.
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