Ms. Priyanka Sinha, a practicing optometrist, begins by telling us the importance of a full low vision work-up and the role of an optometrist in managing low vision patients. We briefly go over the different assessments conducted for low vision with a focus on differences as compared to assessments for a normal individual. This raises the question as to what is the population we can serve?
Ms. Sinha points out that there are more than 249 million and 54 million low vision patients worldwide and in India, respectively. We delve into the barriers to low vision care in India. Following this, we talk about the common eye disorders in low vision and their classifications.
After understanding the disorders, we discuss the different management options for the patient based on their primary low vision complain.
- Central field loss
- Peripheral field defect
- Overall blurred vision
- Hemianopic field defect
Ms. Sinha then talks in-depth about magnification and different types of magnifiers, as these might be some of the most common devices used for low vision management. We learn about the various calculations to provide the patient with an optimum magnifier.
Lastly, we learn about some of the new technologies available in the market.
- Implantable miniature telescope
- Retinal prosthesis system
In the end, we conclude the session with a Q and A session with the live audience.
References
Papers
Engesser D, Engesser R, Stifter J, Atzrodt L, Böhringer D, Reinhard T. Ist die Verordnung von vergrößernden Sehhilfen anhand der Krankenakte möglich oder bedarf es einer Beratung in einer Sehbehindertenambulanz? [Is the Patient Record Sufficient for Prescribing Low-Vision Magnification Aids or Is a Consultation in a Low-Vision Clinic Required?]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2019;236(7):907-910.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30357765/
Sarika G, Venugopal D, Sailaja MVS, Evangeline S, Krishna Kumar R. Barriers and enablers to low vision care services in a tertiary eye care hospital: A mixed method study. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2019;67(4):536-540.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30900589/
Vignesh D, Gupta N, Kalaivani M, Goswami AK, Nongkynrih B, Gupta SK. Prevalence of visual impairment and its association with vision-related quality of life among elderly persons in a resettlement colony of Delhi. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019;8(4):1432-1439.