Caring for visually impaired patients

Abstract

Objective: To raise pharmacist awareness about the needs and concerns of our patients with visual impairment and to review useful strategies to foster medication adherence.

Summary: As patient-centered pharmacists, we need to understand the challenges faced by our patients with low vision and tailor pharmaceutical care to best fit their needs. Evidence-based best practices in labeling and written communication have been developed by the American Foundation for the Blind in partnership with the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. These recommendations include the use of specific font styles, minimum font size, and other standards known to enhance usability for those with limited vision. Recent advances in assistive technologies such as audio output and object recognition software can be used to ease the medication-taking process and effectively communicate important drug and safety information in a manner that can be understood by those with low vision. In July 2012, the Prescription Accessible Drug Labeling Promotion Act of 2012 (HR 4087) was signed into law. This new legislation is an addition to the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, which required the development and ultimate implementation by pharmacies of national best practices intended to improve the accessibility of prescription drug labeling for the visually impaired.

Conclusion: As a patient-centered profession, we need to advocate for our patients with special needs by partnering with government and patient groups to support and enact legislation intended to enhance people's ability to adhere to drug therapy.