ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE IN CHILDREN (0-16YEARS) USING LOW VISION AIDS

Abstract

Aim: To check the compliance in paediatric population using low vision aids (children aged 0-16 years from blind schools and paediatric patients visiting the low vision department of a tertiary eye care centre) and thereby its impact on their QOL.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study a total of 113 children with low vision, from blind schools and tertiary eye care centre in Pune were assessed between October 1^st 2007 and October 1^st 2008. A complete low vision examination was done and appropriate aids were provided. Next follow up date was given to the patient: first at 3 months and second at 9 months from the first assessment. At each visit, the compliance and change in the QOL were assessed. Examination included an ophthalmologic work up, assessment of BCVA. The children were administered a questionnaire to assess the use and satisfaction with the device in the interim period. The QOL was assessed on the basis of the changes noticed in mobility, recognition and other outdoor, routine and vocational activities.

Results: Out of 314 children from the schools for blind, 19.10% were found to have low vision.In schools for blind: Out of initial 60 children with low vision, 83.3% children were present during the second follow up and 66.7% were using the aid. Only 8.33% broke their aids while 3.3% found it difficult to use the aid, 10% left the aid somewhere. In tertiary eye care centre: Out of the 53, 62.3% were present and 58.5% were usingthe aid. Thus, at the second follow up more number of children from tertiary eye care centre were found using the aids. With the use of aids 61.7 from the schools for blind and 52.8% from the tertiary eye care centre were independent in their mobility.

Conclusions: Compliance, as measured in terms of attendance and regular usage of aids provided, along with improvement in routine and outdoor activities proves the beneficial change noticed in the QOL at an individual level by the children with low vision. It was very heartening to note that improvement in craft work was seen, which assures a very good future for them in getting vocationally settled in life by betterment in these activities.