Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Meta-Analysis
. 2020 Jan 27;1(1):CD006543.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006543.pub2.

Low vision rehabilitation for better quality of life in visually impaired adults

Ruth Ma van Nispen #  1 , Gianni Virgili #  2 , Mirke Hoeben  1 , Maaike Langelaan  3 , Jeroen Klevering  4 , Jan Ee Keunen  4 , Ger Hmb van Rens  1   5
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Low vision rehabilitation for better quality of life in visually impaired adults

Ruth Ma van Nispen et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Low vision rehabilitation aims to optimise the use of residual vision after severe vision loss, but also aims to teach skills in order to improve visual functioning in daily life. Other aims include helping people to adapt to permanent vision loss and improving psychosocial functioning. These skills promote independence and active participation in society. Low vision rehabilitation should ultimately improve quality of life (QOL) for people who have visual impairment.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation interventions on health-related QOL (HRQOL), vision-related QOL (VRQOL) or visual functioning and other closely related patient-reported outcomes in visually impaired adults.

Search methods: We searched relevant electronic databases and trials registers up to 18 September 2019.

Selection criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating HRQOL, VRQOL and related outcomes of adults, with an irreversible visual impairment (World Health Organization criteria). We included studies that compared rehabilitation interventions with active or inactive control.

Data collection and analysis: We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

Main results: We included 44 studies (73 reports) conducted in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia. Considering the clinical diversity of low vision rehabilitation interventions, the studies were categorised into four groups of related intervention types (and by comparator): (1) psychological therapies and/or group programmes, (2) methods of enhancing vision, (3) multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes, (4) other programmes. Comparators were no care or waiting list as an inactive control group, usual care or other active control group. Participants included in the reported studies were mainly older adults with visual impairment or blindness, often as a result of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Study settings were often hospitals or low vision rehabilitation services. Effects were measured at the short-term (six months or less) in most studies. Not all studies reported on funding, but those who did were supported by public or non-profit funders (N = 31), except for two studies. Compared to inactive comparators, we found very low-certainty evidence of no beneficial effects on HRQOL that was imprecisely estimated for psychological therapies and/or group programmes (SMD 0.26, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.80; participants = 183; studies = 1) and an imprecise estimate suggesting little or no effect of multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.21; participants = 183; studies = 2; I2 = 0%); no data were available for methods of enhancing vision or other programmes. Regarding VRQOL, we found low- or very low-certainty evidence of imprecisely estimated benefit with psychological therapies and/or group programmes (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.08; studies = 2; I2 = 24%) and methods of enhancing vision (SMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.54 to 0.15; participants = 262; studies = 5; I2 = 34%). Two studies using multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes showed beneficial but inconsistent results, of which one study, which was at low risk of bias and used intensive rehabilitation, recorded a very large and significant effect (SMD: -1.64, 95% CI -2.05 to -1.24), and the other a small and uncertain effect (SMD -0.42, 95%: -0.90 to 0.07). Compared to active comparators, we found very low-certainty evidence of small or no beneficial effects on HRQOL that were imprecisely estimated with psychological therapies and/or group programmes including no difference (SMD -0.09, 95% CI -0.39 to 0.20; participants = 600; studies = 4; I2 = 67%). We also found very low-certainty evidence of small or no beneficial effects with methods of enhancing vision, that were imprecisely estimated (SMD -0.09, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.09; participants = 443; studies = 2; I2 = 0%) and multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes (SMD -0.10, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.12; participants = 375; studies = 2; I2 = 0%). Concerning VRQOL, low-certainty evidence of small or no beneficial effects that were imprecisely estimated, was found with psychological therapies and/or group programmes (SMD -0.11, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.01; participants = 1245; studies = 7; I2 = 19%) and moderate-certainty evidence of small effects with methods of enhancing vision (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.08; participants = 660; studies = 7; I2 = 16%). No additional benefit was found with multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes (SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.20; participants = 464; studies = 3; I2 = 0%; low-certainty evidence). Among secondary outcomes, very low-certainty evidence of a significant and large, but imprecisely estimated benefit on self-efficacy or self-esteem was found for psychological therapies and/or group programmes versus waiting list or no care (SMD -0.85, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.22; participants = 456; studies = 5; I2 = 91%). In addition, very low-certainty evidence of a significant and large estimated benefit on depression was found for psychological therapies and/or group programmes versus waiting list or no care (SMD -1.23, 95% CI -2.18 to -0.28; participants = 456; studies = 5; I2 = 94%), and moderate-certainty evidence of a small benefit versus usual care (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.04; participants = 1334; studies = 9; I2 = 0%). ln the few studies in which (serious) adverse events were reported, these seemed unrelated to low vision rehabilitation.

Authors' conclusions: In this Cochrane Review, no evidence of benefit was found of diverse types of low vision rehabilitation interventions on HRQOL. We found low- and moderate-certainty evidence, respectively, of a small benefit on VRQOL in studies comparing psychological therapies or methods for enhancing vision with active comparators. The type of rehabilitation varied among studies, even within intervention groups, but benefits were detected even if compared to active control groups. Studies were conducted on adults with visual impairment mainly of older age, living in high-income countries and often having AMD. Most of the included studies on low vision rehabilitation had a short follow-up, Despite these limitations, the consistent direction of the effects in this review towards benefit justifies further research activities of better methodological quality including longer maintenance effects and costs of several types of low vision rehabilitation. Research on the working mechanisms of components of rehabilitation interventions in different settings, including low-income countries, is also needed.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest with respect to the studies reviewed.

Figures

1
1
Study flow diagram.
2
2
Methodological quality graph: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item presented as percentages across all included studies.
3
3
Methodological quality summary: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item for each included study. Studies were categorized into: (I) psychological therapies and/or group programs; (II) methods of enhancing vision; (III) multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs.
4
4
Forest plot of comparison: 1 Low vision rehabilitation versus waiting list or no care, outcome: 1.1 Health‐related quality of life.
5
5
Forest plot of comparison: 1 Low vision rehabilitation versus waiting list or no care, outcome: 1.2 Vision‐related quality of life.
6
6
Forest plot of comparison: 2 Low vision rehabilitation versus active comparator, outcome: 2.1 Health‐related quality of life.
7
7
Forest plot of comparison: 2 Low vision rehabilitation versus active comparator, outcome: 2.2 Vision‐related quality of life.
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Low vision rehabilitation versus waiting list or no care, Outcome 1 Health‐related quality of life.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Low vision rehabilitation versus waiting list or no care, Outcome 2 Vision‐related quality of life.
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Low vision rehabilitation versus waiting list or no care, Outcome 3 Activities of daily living (QOL physical aspect).
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 Low vision rehabilitation versus waiting list or no care, Outcome 4 Depression (QOL: psychological aspect).
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 Low vision rehabilitation versus waiting list or no care, Outcome 5 Self‐efficacy or self‐esteem (QOL: psychological aspect).
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 Low vision rehabilitation versus waiting list or no care, Outcome 6 Adaptation to vision loss (QOL: psychological aspect).
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Low vision rehabilitation versus active comparator, Outcome 1 Health‐related quality of life.
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Low vision rehabilitation versus active comparator, Outcome 2 Vision‐related quality of life.
2.3
2.3. Analysis
Comparison 2 Low vision rehabilitation versus active comparator, Outcome 3 Activities of daily living (QOL physical aspect).
2.4
2.4. Analysis
Comparison 2 Low vision rehabilitation versus active comparator, Outcome 4 Depression (QOL: psychological aspect).
2.5
2.5. Analysis
Comparison 2 Low vision rehabilitation versus active comparator, Outcome 5 Self‐efficacy or self‐esteem (QOL: psychological aspect).
2.6
2.6. Analysis
Comparison 2 Low vision rehabilitation versus active comparator, Outcome 6 Adaptation to vision loss (QOL: psychological aspect).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

  • doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006543

References

References to studies included in this review

Acton 2016 {published data only}
    1. Acton JH, Molik B, Binns A, Court H, Margrain TH. Effect of rehabilitation worker input on visual function outcomes in individuals with low vision: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2016;17:Article number: 105. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Acton JH, Molik B, Court H, Margrain TH. Effect of a home visit‐based low vision rehabilitation intervention on visual function outcomes: an exploratory randomized controlled trial. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2016;57(15):6662‐7. - PubMed
Bradley 2005 {published data only}
    1. Bradley P, Mitchell J, Bradley C. Peer support for people newly diagnosed with macular degeneration: a pilot study. International Congress Series 2005;1282:211‐5.
Brody 1999 {published data only}
    1. Brody BL, Williams RA, Thomas RG, Kaplan RM, Chu RM, Brown SI. Age‐related macular degeneration: a randomized clinical trial of a self‐management intervention. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 1999;21(4):322‐9. - PubMed
Brody 2002 {published data only}
    1. Brody BL, Roch‐Levecq AC, Gamst AC, Maclean K, Kaplan RM, Brown SI. Self‐management of age‐related macular degeneration and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Ophthalmology 2002;120(11):1477‐83. - PubMed
    1. Brody BL, Roch‐Levecq AC, Kaplan RM, Moutier CY, Brown SI. Age‐related macular degeneration: self‐management and reduction of depressive symptoms in a randomized, controlled study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2006;54(10):1557‐62. - PubMed
Brunnström 2004 {published data only}
    1. Brunnstrom G, Sorensen S, Alsterstad K, Sjostrand J. Quality of light and quality of life ‐ the effect of lighting adaptation among people with low vision. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2004;24(4):274‐80. - PubMed
Bryan 2014 {published data only}
    1. Bryan JL, Lu Q. Vision for improvement: expressive writing as an intervention for people with Stargardt’s disease, a rare eye disease. Journal of Health Psychology 2016;21(5):709‐19. - PubMed
Burggraaff 2012 {published data only}
    1. Burggraaff MC. Contribution to Evidence in Low‐Vision Rehabilitation: Effects of CCTV Training in Visually Impaired Patients. Chapter 7 of Effects of CCTV Training on Task Performance [Thesis]. Amsterdam (NETHERLANDS): VU University, 2013.
    1. Burggraaff MC, Nispen RM, Knol DL, Ringens PJ, Rens GH. Randomized controlled trial on the effects of CCTV training on quality of life, depression, and adaptation to vision loss. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2012;53(7):3645‐52. - PubMed
    1. Burggraaff MC, Nispen RMA, Hoeben FP, Knol DL, Rens GHMB. Randomized controlled trial on the effects of training in the use of closed‐circuit television on reading performance. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2012;53(4):2142‐50. - PubMed
    1. Burggraaff MC, Nispen RMA, Melis‐Dankers BJM, Rens GHMB. Effects of standard training in the use of closed‐circuit televisions in visually impaired adults: design of a training protocol and a randomized controlled trial. BMC Health Services Research 2010;10:62. - PMC - PubMed
Christy 2012 {published data only}
    1. Christy B. A Randomized Trial of Methods of Low Vision Service Delivery [Thesis]. Sydney, Australia: The University of New South Wales, 2012.
    1. Christy B, Keeffe JE, Nirmalan PK, Rao GN. A randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of strategies delivering low vision rehabilitation: design and baseline characteristics of study participants. Ophthalmic Epidemiology 2010;17(4):203‐10. - PubMed
Conrod 1998 {published data only}
    1. Conrod BE, Overbury O. The effectiveness of perceptual training and psychosocial counseling in adjustment to the loss of vision. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 1998;92(7):464‐82.
Draper 2016 {published data only}
    1. Draper E, Feng R, Appel SD, Graboyes M, Engle E, Ciner EB, et al. Low vision rehabilitation for adult African Americans in two settings. Optometry and Vision Science 2016;93(7):673‐82. - PubMed
Dunbar 2013 {published data only}
    1. Dunbar HM, Crossland MD, Bunce C, Egan C, Rubin GS. The effect of low vision rehabiltation in diabetic eye disease: a randomised controlled trial protocol. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2012;32(4):282‐293. - PubMed
    1. Dunbar HMP. Visual Disability in Diabetic Eye Disease and its Rehabilitation [Thesis]. London (UK): UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 2013.
Eklund 2008 {published data only}
    1. Dahlin Ivanoff S, Sonn U, Svensson E. A health education program for elderly persons with visual impairments and perceived security in the performance of daily occupations: a randomized study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 2002;56(3):322‐30. - PubMed
    1. Dahlin‐Ivanoff S, Klepp KI, Sjostrand J. Development of a health education programme for elderly with age‐related macular degeneration: a focus group study. Patient Education Counseling 1998;34(1):63‐73. - PubMed
    1. Eklund K, Dahlin‐Ivanoff S. Low vision, ADL and hearing assistive device use among older persons with visual impairments. Disability and Rehabilitation 2007;2(6):326‐34. - PubMed
    1. Eklund K, Sjostrand J, Dahlin‐Ivanoff S. A randomized controlled trial of a health‐promotion programme and its effect on ADL dependence and self‐reported health problems for the elderly visually impaired. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2008;15(2):68‐74. - PubMed
    1. Eklund K, Sonn U, Dahlin‐Ivanoff S. Long‐term evaluation of a health education programme for elderly persons with visual impairment. A randomized study. Disability Rehabilitation 2004;26(7):401‐9. - PubMed
Girdler 2010 {published data only}
    1. Girdler SJ, Boldy DP, Dhaliwal SS, Crowley M, Packer TL. Vision self‐management for older adults: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Ophthalmology 2010;94(2):223‐8. - PubMed
Gleeson 2014 {published data only}
    1. Gleeson M, Sherrington C, Borkowski E, Keay L. Improving balance and mobility in people over 50 years of age with vision impairments: can the Alexander Technique help? A study protocol for the VISIBILITY randomised controlled trial. Injury Prevention 2014;20(1):e3. - PubMed
    1. Gleeson M, Sherrington C, Lo S, Keay L. Can the Alexander Technique improve balance and mobility in older adults with visual impairments? A randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation 2015;29(3):244‐60. - PubMed
    1. Keay LJ, Gleeson MG, Lo S, Sherrington C. Can the Alexander Technique improve balance and mobility in adults over 50 years of age with visual impairments? A single‐blind randomized controlled trial. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2014; Vol. 55:ARVO E‐abstract 4579.
Goldstein 2007 {published data only}
    1. Goldstein RB, Dugan E, Trachtenberg F, Peli E. The impact of a video intervention on the use of low vision assistive devices. Optometry and Vision Science 2007;84(3):208‐17. - PMC - PubMed
Jackson 2017 {published data only}
    1. Jackson ML, Schoessow KA, Selinova A, Wallis J. Adding access to a video magnifier to standard vision rehabilitation: initial results on reading performance and well‐being from a prospective, randomized study. Digital Journal of Ophthalmology 2017;23(1):1‐10. - PMC - PubMed
Kaltenegger 2019 {published data only}
    1. Kaltenegger K. Reading training in dry AMD improves reading ability and prevents secondary depression. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2016;57:ARVO E‐abstract 5168.
    1. Kaltenegger K, Stephan Kuester S, Altpeter‐Ott E, Eschweiler GW, Cordey A, Ivanov IV, et al. Effects of home reading training on reading and quality of life in AMD—a randomized and controlled study. Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2019;257(7):1499–512. - PubMed
Kaluza 1996 {published data only}
    1. Kaluza G, Strempel I, Maurer H. Stress reactivity of intraocular pressure after relaxation training in open‐angle glaucoma patients. Journal of Behavioral Medicine 1996;19(6):587‐98. - PubMed
Kamga 2017 {published data only}
    1. Kamga H, McCusker J, Yaffe M, Sewitch M, Susman T, Strumpf E, et al. Self‐care tools to treat depressive symptoms in patients with age‐related eye disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2017;45(4):371‐8. - PubMed
Leat 2017 {published data only}
    1. Leat SJ, Si FF, Gold D, Pickering D, Gordon K, Hodge W. The experience of a randomized clinical trial of closed‐circuit television versus eccentric viewing training for people with age‐related macular degeneration. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2017;111(4):354‐68.
McCabe 2000 {published data only}
    1. McCabe P, Nason F, Demers TP, Friedman D, Seddon JM. Evaluating the effectiveness of a vision rehabilitation intervention using an objective and subjective measure of functional performance. Ophthalmic Epidemiology 2000;7(4):259‐70. - PubMed
Mielke 2013 {published data only}
    1. Mielke A, Wirkus K, Niebler R, Eschweiler G, Nguyen NX, Trauzettel‐Klosinski S. The influence of visual rehabilitation on secondary depressive disorders due to age‐related macular degeneration. A randomized controlled pilot study. Ophthalmologe 2013;110(5):433‐40. - PubMed
Mozaffar Jalali 2014 {published data only}
    1. Mozaffar Jalali MD, Moussavi MS, Amin Yazdi SA, Salehi Fadardi J. Effectiveness of rational emotive behavior therapy on psychological well‐being of people with late blindness. Journal of Rational ‐ Emotive and Cognitive ‐ Behavior Therapy 2014;32(4):23‐47.
Nollet 2016 {published data only}
    1. Margrain TH, Nollett C, Shearn J, Stanford M, Tudor Edwards R, Ryan B, et al. The DEPression in Visual Impairment Trial (DEPVIT): trial design and protocol. BMC Psychiatry 2012;12:Article number: 57. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Nollet CL, Bray N, Bunce C, Casten RJ, Edwards RT, Hegel MT, et al. Depression in visual impairment trial (DEPVIT): a randomized clinical trial of depression treatments in people with low vision. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 2016;57:4247‐54. - PubMed
Pankow 2004 {published data only}
    1. Pankow L, Luchins D, Studebaker J, Chettleburgh D. Evaluation of a vision rehabilitation program for older adults with visual impairment. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation 2004;20(3):223‐32.
Patodia 2017 {published data only}
    1. Patodia Y, Golesic E, Mao A, Hutnik CML. Clinical effectiveness of currently available low‐vision devices in glaucoma patients with moderate‐to‐severe vision loss. Clinical Ophthalmology 2017;11:683‐7. - PMC - PubMed
Pearce 2011 {published data only}
    1. Pearce E, Crossland MD, Rubin GS. The efficacy of low vision device training in a hospital‐based low vision clinic. British Journal of Ophthalmology 2011;95(1):105‐8. - PubMed
Pinninger 2013 {published data only}
    1. Pinniger R, Brown RF, Thorsteinsson EB, McKinley P. Tango programme for individuals with age‐related macular degeneration. British Journal of Visual Impairment 2013;31(1):47‐59.
Rees 2015 {published data only}
    1. Rees G, Xie J, Chiang PP, Larizza MF, Marella M, Hassell JB, et al. A randomised controlled trial of a self‐management programme for low vision implemented in low vision rehabilitation services. Patient Education and Counseling 2015;98(2):174‐81. - PubMed
Reeves 2004 {published data only}
    1. Reeves BC, Harper RA, Russell WB. Enhanced low vision rehabilitation for people with age related macular degeneration: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Ophthalmology 2004;88(11):1443‐9. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Russell W, Harper R, Reeves B, Waterman H, Henson D, McLeod D. Randomised controlled trial of an integrated versus an optometric low vision rehabilitation service for patients with age‐related macular degeneration: study design and methodology. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2001;21(1):36‐44. - PubMed
Rovner 2007 {published data only}
    1. Rovner BW, Casten RJ. Preventing late‐life depression in age‐related macular degeneration. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 2008;16:454‐9. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Rovner BW, Casten RJ, Hegel MT, Leiby BE, Tasman WS. Preventing depression in age‐related macular degeneration. Archives of General Psychiatry 2007;64(8):886‐92. - PubMed
Rovner 2013 {published data only}
    1. Rovner BW, Casten RJ, Hegel MT, Massof RW, Leiby BE, Ho AC, et al. Improving function in age‐related macular degeneration ‐ a randomized controlled trial. Ophthalmology 2013;120(8):1649‐55. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Rovner BW, Casten RJ, Hegel MT, Massof RW, Leiby BE, Tasman WS. Improving function in age‐related macular degeneration: design and methods of a randomized clinical trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials 2011;32(2):196‐203. - PMC - PubMed
Rovner 2014 {published data only}
    1. Casten R, Rovner BW, Fontenot JL. Targeted vision function goals and use of vision resources in ophthalmology patients with age‐related macular degeneration and comorbid depressive symptoms. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2016;110(6):413‐24.
    1. Deemer AD, Massof RW, Rovner BW, Casten RJ, Piersol CV. Functional outcomes of the low vision depression prevention trial in age‐related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2017;58(3):1514‐20. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Rovner BW, Casten RJ, Hegel MT, Massof RW, Leiby BE, Ho AC, et al. Low vision depression prevention trial in age‐related macular degeneration: a randomized clinical trial. Ophthalmology 2014;121(11):2204‐11. - PMC - PubMed
Rumrill 1999 {published data only}
    1. Rumrill PD. Effects of a social competence training program on accommodation request activity, situational self‐efficacy, and Americans with Disabilities Act knowledge among employed people with visual impairments and blindness. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation 1999;12(1):25‐31.
Scanlan 2004 {published data only}
    1. Scanlan JM, Cuddeford JE. Low vision rehabilitation: a comparison of traditional and extended teaching programs. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2004;98(10):601‐11.
Seiple 2011 {published data only}
    1. Seiple W, Grant P, Szlyk JP. Reading rehabilitation of individuals with AMD: relative effectiveness of training approaches. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2011;52(6):2938–44. - PubMed
Smith 2005 {published data only}
    1. Smith HJ, Dickinson CM, Cacho I, Reeves BC, Harper RA. A randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of prism spectacles for patients with age‐related macular degeneration. Archives of Ophthalmology 2005;123(8):1042‐50. - PubMed
Stelmack 2008 {published data only}
    1. Stelmack JA, Tang C, Reda DJ, Rinne S, Mancil RM, Massof RW. Outcomes of the Veterans Affairs Low Vision Intervention Trial (LOVIT). Archives of Ophthalmology 2008;126(5):608‐17. - PubMed
    1. Stelmack JA, Tang XC, Reda DJ, Moran D, Rinne S, Mancil RM, et al. The Veterans Affairs Low Vision Intervention Trial (LOVIT): design and methodology. Clinical Trials 2007;4(6):650‐60. - PubMed
Stelmack 2017 {published data only}
    1. Stelmack JA, Tang XC, Reda DJ, Stroupe KT, Rinne S, Massof RW. VA LOVIT II: a protocol to compare low vision rehabilitation and basic low vision. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2012;32(6):461‐71. - PubMed
    1. Stelmack JA, Tang XC, Wei Y, Wilcox DT, Morand T, Brahm K, et al. Outcomes of the Veterans Affairs Low Vision Intervention Trial II (LOVIT II): a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Ophthalmology 2017;135(2):96‐104. - PubMed
    1. Stroupe KT, Stelmack JA, Tang XC, Wei Y, Sayers S, Reda DJ, et al. Economic evaluation of low‐vision rehabilitation for veterans with macular diseases in the US Department of Veterans Affairs. JAMA Ophthalmology 2018;136(5):524‐31. - PubMed
Sun 2012 {published data only}
    1. Sun W, Wu F, Kong J, Nakahara Y, Xuan D, Li SY, et al. Analysis on the psychological factors of glaucoma and the influence of the psychological therapy after the education on the Glaucoma Club. International Eye Science 2012;12(9):1619‐22.
Taylor 2017 {published data only}
    1. Bray N, Brand A, Taylor J, Hoare Z, Dickinson C, Edwards RT. Portable electronic vision enhancement systems in comparison with optical magnifiers for near vision activities: an economic evaluation alongside a randomized crossover trial. Acta Ophthalmologica 2017;95(5):e415‐e23. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Taylor J, Bambrick R, Dutton M, Harper R, Ryan B, Tudor‐Edwards R, et al. The p‐EVES study design and methodology: a randomised controlled trial to compare portable electronic vision enhancement systems (p‐EVES) to optical magnifiers for near vision activities in visual impairment. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2014;34(5):558‐72. - PubMed
    1. Taylor JJ, Bambrick R, Brand A, Bray N, Dutton M, Harper RA. Effectiveness of portable electronic and optical magnifiers for near vision activities in low vision: a randomised crossover trial. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2017;37(4):370‐84. - PubMed
Tey 2019 {published data only}
    1. Tey CS, Man REK, Fenwick EK, Aw AT, Drury V, Chiang PPC, et al. Effectiveness of the "living successfully with low vision" self‐management program: results from a randomized controlled trial in Singaporeans with low vision. Patient Education and Counseling 2019;102(6):1150‐6. - PubMed
Van der Aa 2015 {published data only}
    1. Aa HPA, Krijnen‐de Bruin E, Rens GHMB, Twisk JWR, Nispen RMA. Watchful waiting for subthreshold depression and anxiety in visually impaired older adults. Quality of Life Research 2015;24(12):2885‐93. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Aa HPA, Rens GHMB, Bosmans JE, Comijs HC, Nispen RMA. Economic evaluation of stepped‐care versus usual care for depression and anxiety in older adults with vision impairment: randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2017;17:Article number: 280. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Aa HPA, Rens GHMB, Comijs HC, Bosmans JE, Margrain TH, Nispen RMA. Stepped‐care to prevent depression and anxiety in visually impaired older adults ‐ design of a randomised controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2013;13:Article number: 209. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Aa HPA, Rens GHMB, Comijs HC, Margrain TH, Gallindo‐Garre F, Twisk JWR, et al. Stepped care for depression and anxiety in visually impaired older adults: multicentre randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2015;351:h6127. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.i1995] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Waterman 2016 {published data only}
    1. Waterman H, Ballinger C, Brundle C, Castin S, Gae H, Harper R, et al. A feasibility study to prevent falls in older people who are sight impaired: the VIP2UK randomised controlled trial. Trials 2016;17:Article number: 464. - PMC - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Aimola 2014 {published data only}
    1. Aimola L, Lane AR, Smith DT, Kerkhoff G, Ford GA, Schenk T. Efficacy and feasibility of home‐based training for individuals with homonymous visual field defects. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 2014;28(3):207‐18. - PubMed
Antonucci 1995 {published data only}
    1. Antonucci G, Guariglia C, Judica A, Magnotti L, Paolucci S, Pizzamiglio L, et al. Effectiveness of neglect rehabilitation in a randomized group study. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology 1995;17(3):383‐9. - PubMed
Ballinger 1996 {published data only}
    1. Ballinger R, Lalle P, Maino J, Stelmack J, Tallman K, Wacker R. Veterans Affairs multicenter low vision enhancement system (LVES) study: clinical results. Optometry 1996;71(12):764‐74. - PubMed
Bhatlawande 2014 {published data only}
    1. Bhatlawande S, Mahadevappa M, Mukherjee J, Biswas M, Das D, Gupta S. Design, development, and clinical evaluation of the electronic mobility cane for vision rehabilitation. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering 2014;22(6):1148‐59. - PubMed
Birk 2004 {published data only}
    1. Birk T, Hickl S, Wahl HW, Kammerer A, Miller D, Holz F, et al. A psychosocial training program for elderly patients with age‐related macular degeneration: findings of a pilot evaluation study. Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie 2004;37(5):363‐5. - PubMed
    1. Birk T, Hickl S, Wahl HW, Miller D, Kammerer A, Holz F, et al. Development and pilot evaluation of a psychosocial intervention program for patients with age‐related macular degeneration. Gerontologist 2004;44(6):836‐43. - PubMed
Boehm 1985 {published data only}
    1. Boehm RG. The use of echolocation as an aid in mobility for blind persons [Thesis]. Vancouver (CANADA): The University of British Columbia, 1985.
Bowman 2017 {published data only}
    1. Bowman EL, Liu L. Individuals with severely impaired vision can learn useful orientation and mobility skills in virtual streets and can use them to improve real street safety. PLOS One 2017;12:e0176534. - PMC - PubMed
Campbell 2005 {published data only}
    1. Campbell AJ, Robertson MC, Grow SJ, Kerse NM, Sanderson GF, Jacobs RJ, et al. Randomised controlled trial of prevention of falls in people aged >=75 with severe visual impairment: the VIP trial. BMJ 2005;331:817. - PMC - PubMed
Cavanaugh 2017 {published data only}
    1. Cavanaugh MR, Huxlin KR. Visual discrimination training improves Humphrey perimetry in chronic cortically induced blindness. Neurology 2017;88(19):1856‐64. - PMC - PubMed
Chebat 2015 {published data only}
    1. Chebat DR, Maidenbaum S, Amedi A. Navigation using sensory substitution in real and virtual mazes. PLOS One 2015;10:e0126307. - PMC - PubMed
Chen 2012 {published data only}
    1. Chen EW, Fu ASN, Chan KM, Tsang WWN. The effects of Tai Chi on the balance control of elderly persons with visual impairment: a randomised clinical trial. Age and Aging 2012;41(2):254‐9. - PubMed
Coco‐Martin 2017 {published data only}
    1. Coco‐Martin MB, López‐Miguel A, Cuadrado R, Mayo‐Iscar A, Herrero AJ, Pastor JC, et al. Reading performance improvements in patients with central vision loss without age‐related macular degeneration after undergoing personalized rehabilitation training. Current Eye Research 2017;42(9):1260‐8. - PubMed
Coleman 2006 {published data only}
    1. Coleman AL, Yu F, Keeler E, Mangione CM. Treatment of uncorrected refractive error improves vision‐specific quality of life. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2006;54(6):883‐90. - PubMed
Connors 2014 {published data only}
    1. Connors EC, Chrastil ER, Sanchez J, Merabet LB. Virtual environments for the transfer of navigation skills in the blind: a comparison of directed instruction vs. video game based learning approaches. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014;8:223. - PMC - PubMed
Court 2011 {published data only}
    1. Court H, Ryan B, Bunce C, Margrain TH. How effective is the new community‐based Welsh low vision service?. British Journal of Ophthalmology 2011;95(2):178‐84. - PubMed
Culham 2009 {published data only}
    1. Culham LE, Chabra A, Rubin GS. Users' subjective evaluation of electronic vision enhancement systems. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2009;29(2):138‐49. - PubMed
Dae Shik Kim 2014 {published data only}
    1. Dae Shik Kim, Emerson RW. Effect of cane technique on obstacle detection with the long cane. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2014;108(4):335‐40. - PMC - PubMed
Dae Shik Kim 2016 {published data only}
    1. Dae Shik Kim, Wall Emerson R, Gaves E. Travel in adverse winter weather conditions by blind pedestrians: effect of cane tip design on travel on snow. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2016;110(1):53‐8. - PMC - PubMed
Dannenbaum 2010 {published data only}
    1. Dannenbaum E, Kairy D, Fung J. Benefits of home‐based balance exercises for visually impaired seniors. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2010;91(10):e49‐e50.
De Haan 2015 {published data only}
    1. Haan GA, Melis‐Dankers BJM, Brouwer WH, Tucha O, Heutink J. The effects of compensatory scanning training on mobility in patients with homonymous visual field defects: a randomized controlled trial. PLOS One 2015;10:e0134459. - PMC - PubMed
Elliot 2014 {published data only}
    1. Elliott AF, O'Connor ML, Edwards JD. Cognitive speed of processing training in older adults with visual impairments. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2014;34(5):509‐18. - PMC - PubMed
Elshout 2016 {published data only}
    1. Elshout JA, Asten F, Hoyng CB, Bergsma DB, Berg AV. Visual rehabilitation in chronic cerebral blindness: a randomized controlled crossover study. Frontiers in Neurology 2016;7:92. - PMC - PubMed
Elshout 2018 {published data only}
    1. Elshout J, Bergsma DP, Sibbel J, Baars‐Elsinga A, Lubbers P, Asten F, et al. Improvement in activities of daily living after visual training in patients with homonymous visual field defects using Goal Attainment Scaling. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience 2018;36(1):1‐12. - PubMed
Flores 2015 {published data only}
    1. Flores G, Kurniawan S, Manduchi R, Martinson E. Vibrotactile guidance for wayfinding of blind walkers. IEEE Transactions of Haptics 2015;8:306‐17. - PubMed
George 2011 {published data only}
    1. George S, Hayes A, Chen C, Crotty M. The effect of static scanning and mobility training on mobility in people with hemianopia after stroke: a randomized controlled trial comparing standardized versus non‐standardized treatment protocols. BMC Neurology 2011;11:87. - PMC - PubMed
Gopinath 2017 {published data only}
    1. Gopinath B, Craig A, Kifley A, Liew G, Bloffwitch J, Vu KV, et al. Implementing a multi‐modal support service model for the family caregivers of persons with age‐related macular degeneration: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2017;7(8):e018204. - PMC - PubMed
Griffin‐Shirley 1994 {published data only}
    1. Griffin‐Shirley N. The effect of rehabilitation training of visually impaired older adults on self‐efficacy, depression, activities of daily living, attitudes about blindness, and social support networks [abstract]. Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences 1994;54:2805.
Grue 2008 {published data only}
    1. Grue EV, Kirkevold M, Mowinchel P, Ranhoff A. Sensory impairment in hip‐fracture patients 65 years or older and effects of hearing/vision interventions on fall frequency. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2009;2:1‐11. - PMC - PubMed
Hackney 2015 {published data only}
    1. Hackney ME, Hall CD, Echt KV, Wolf SL. Multimodal exercise benefits mobility in older adults with visual impairment: a preliminary study. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 2015;23(4):630‐9. - PubMed
Ivanov 2013 {published data only}
    1. Ivanov I. Is visual exploration training beneficial in tunnel vision?. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2013;54:ARVO E‐abstract 2769.
Ivanov 2016 {published data only}
    1. Ivanov I, Mackeben M, Vollmer A, Martus P, Nguyen NX, Trauzettel‐Klosinski S. Eye movement training and suggested gaze strategies in tunnel vision ‐ a randomized and controlled pilot study. PLOS One 2016;11:e0157825. - PMC - PubMed
Kasten 1995 {published data only}
    1. Kasten E, Sabel BA. Visual field enlargement after computer training in brain‐damaged patients with homonymous deficits: an open pilot trial. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience 1995;8(3):113‐27. - PubMed
Kerkhoff 2014 {published data only}
    1. Kerkhoff G, Bucher L, Brasse M, Leonhart E, Holzgraefe M, Volzke V, et al. Smooth pursuit "bedside" training reduces disability and unawareness during the activities in daily living in neglect: a randomized controlled trial. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 2014;28(6):554‐63. - PubMed
La Grow 2004 {published data only}
    1. Grow SJ. The effectiveness of comprehensive low vision services for older persons with visual impairments in New Zealand. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2004;98(11):679‐92.
Lipkova 2008 {published data only}
    1. Lipkova J, Gregor T, Kyselovicova O, Skodova M. The effect of aerobic exercises on the ocular parameters and the psychic state of glaucoma patients. Activitas Nervosa Superior 2008;50(1‐2):15‐7.
Lundqvist 2014 {published data only}
    1. Lundqvist LO, Zetterlund C, Richter HO. Effects of Feldenkrais method on chronic neck/scapular pain in people with visual impairment: a randomized controlled trial with one‐year follow‐up. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2014;95(9):1656‐61. - PubMed
Nelles 2001 {published data only}
    1. Nelles G, Esser J, Ecksein A, Tiede A, Gerhard H, Diener HC. Compensatory visual field training for patients with hemianopia after stroke. Neuroscience Letters 2001;306(3):189‐92. - PubMed
Nguyen 2011 {published data only}
    1. Nguyen NX, Stockum A, Hahn GA, Trauzettel‐Klosinkski S. Training to improve reading speed in patients with juvenile macular dystrophy: a randomized study comparing two training methods. Acta Ophthalmologica 2011;89(1):e82‐e8. - PubMed
Peterson 2003 {published data only}
    1. Peterson RC, Wolffsohn JS, Rubinstein M, Lowe J. Benefits of electronic vision enhancement systems (EVES) for the visually impaired. American Journal of Ophthalmology 2003;136(6):1129‐35. - PubMed
Plow 2012 {published data only}
    1. Plow AB, Obretenova SN, Fregni F, Pascual‐Leone A, Merabet LB. Comparison of visual field training for hemianopia with active versus sham transcranial direct cortical stimulation. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 2012;26(6):616‐26. - PubMed
Riley 2015 {published data only}
    1. Riley SK. Low vision reading speed comparison of CCTV and iPad. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2017;56:ARVO E‐abstract 4793.
Riley 2016 {published data only}
    1. Riley SK. Apple iPad and CCTV reading performance comparison in persons with low vision. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2016;57:ARVO E‐abstract 5169.
Robinson 2018 {published data only}
    1. McKeague C, Margrain T, Bailey C, Binns AM. Low‐level night‐time light therapy for age‐related macular degeneration (ALight): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2014;15:246. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Robinson DG, Margrain TH, Dunn MJ, Bailey C, Binns AM. Low‐level nighttime light therapy for age‐related macular degeneration: a randomized clinical trial. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2018;59(11):4531–41. - PubMed
Roentgen 2012 {published data only}
    1. Roentgen UR, Gelderblom GJ, Witte LP. User evaluation of two electronic mobility aids for persons who are visually impaired: a quasi‐experimental study using a standardized mobility course. Assistive Technology 2012;24(2):110–20. - PubMed
Rossi 1990 {published data only}
    1. Rossi PW, Kheyfets S, Reding MJ. Fresnel prisms improve visual perception in stroke patients with homonymous hemianopia. Neurology 1990;40(10):1597‐9. - PubMed
Roth 2009 {published data only}
    1. Roth T, Sokolov AN, Messias A, Roth P, Weller M, Trauzettel‐Klosinski S. Comparing explorative saccade and flicker training in hemianopia. Neurology 2009;72(4):324‐31. - PubMed
Rowe 2014 {published data only}
    1. Rowe F, Drummond A, Sackley CM, Pollock A, Bedson E, Breen R, et al. A randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of prism glasses, visual search training and standard care to improve visual field for people with hemianopia post stroke. International Journal of Stroke 2015;10(4):12‐13.
    1. Rowe FJ, Barton PG, Bedson E, Breen R, Conroy EJ, Cwiklinski E, et al. A randomised controlled trial to compare the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of prism glasses, visual search training and standard care in patients with hemianopia following stroke: a protocol. BMJ Open 2014;4(7):e005885. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Rowe FJ, Barton PG, Bedson E, Breen R, Conroy EJ, Cwiklinski E, et al. Randomized controlled trial results of prism therapy versus visual scanning training versus standard care for homonymous hemianopia. Neuro‐Ophthalmology 2015;39(6):S47.
    1. Rowe FJ, Conroy EJ, Barton PG, Bedson E, Cwiklinski E, Dodridge C, et al. A randomised controlled trial of treatment for post‐stroke homonymous hemianopia: screening and recruitment. Neuro‐Ophthalmology 2016;40(1):1‐10. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Rowe FJ, Conroy EJ, Bedson E, Cwiklinski E, Drummond A, García‐Fiñana M, et al. A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing effectiveness of prism glasses, visual search training and standard care in hemianopia. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 2017;136(4):310‐21. - PubMed
Sabel 2014 {published data only}
    1. Sabel BA, Gudlin J. Vision restoration training for glaucoma: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Ophthalmology 2014;132(4):381‐9. - PubMed
Schinzel 2012 {published data only}
    1. Schinzel J, Schwarzlose L, Dietze H, Bartusch K, Weiss S, Ohlraun S, et al. Efficacy of vision restoration therapy after optic neuritis (VISION study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2012;13:94. - PMC - PubMed
Seki 2011 {published data only}
    1. Seki Y, Sato T. A training system of orientation and mobility for blind people using acoustic virtual reality. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering 2011;19(1):95‐104. - PubMed
Soong 2001 {published data only}
    1. Soong GP, Lovie‐Kitchin JE, Brown B. Does mobility performance of visually impaired adults improve immediately after orientation and mobility training?. Optometry and Vision Science 2001;78(9):657‐66. - PubMed
Stelmack 2002 {published data only}
    1. Stelmack JA, Stelmack TR, Massof RW. Measuring low‐vision rehabilitation outcomes with the NEI VFQ‐25. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2002;43(9):2859‐68. - PubMed
Stelmack 2012 {published data only}
    1. Stelmack JA, Tang XC, Wei Y, Massof RW. The effectiveness of low‐vision rehabilitation in 2 cohorts derived from the Veterans Affairs low‐vision intervention trial. Archives of Ophthalmology 2012;130(9):1162‐8. - PubMed
Stroupe 2008 {published data only}
    1. Stroupe KT, Stelmack JA, Tang XC, Reda DJ, Moran D, Rinne S, et al. Economic evaluation of blind rehabilitation for veterans with macular diseases in the department of Veterans Affairs. Ophthalmic Epidemiology 2008;15(2):84‐91. - PubMed
Szlyk 1998 {published data only}
    1. Szlyk JP, Seiple W, Laderman DJ, Kelsch R, Ho K, McMahon R. Use of bioptic amorphic lenses to expand the visual field in patients with peripheral loss. Optometry and Vision Science 1998;75(7):518‐24. - PubMed
Szlyk 2000 {published data only}
    1. Szlyk JP, Seiple W, Laderman DJ, Kelsch R, Stelmack J, McMahon T. Measuring the effectiveness of bioptic telescopes for persons with central vision loss. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development 2000;37(1):101‐8. - PubMed
Taylor 2011 {published data only}
    1. Taylor L, Poland F, Harrison P, Stephenson R. A quasi‐experimental feasibility study to determine the effect of a systematic treatment programme on the scores of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale of individuals with visual field deficits following stroke. Clinical Rehabilitation 2011;25(1):43‐50. - PubMed
Trozzolino 2003 {published data only}
    1. Trozzolino L, Thompson PS, Tansman MS, Azen SP. Effects of a psychoeducational group on mood and glycemic control in adults with diabetes and visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2003;97(4):230‐9.
Ueda 2013 {published data only}
    1. Ueda Y, Tsuda A. Differential outcomes of skill training, group counselling, and individual cognitive therapy for persons with acquired visual impairment. Japanese Journal of Psychological Research 2013;55(3):229‐40.
Van Nispen 2010 {published data only}
    1. Boer MR, Terwee CB, Vet HCW, Moll AC, Volker‐Dieben HJM, Rens GHMB. Evaluation of cross‐sectional and longitudinal construct validity of two vision‐related quality of life questionnaires: the LVQOL and VCM1. Quality of Life Research 2006;15(2):233‐48. - PubMed
    1. Boer MR, Twisk J, Moll AC, Volker‐Dieben HJM, Vet HCW, Rens GHMB. Outcomes of low‐vision services using optometric and multidisciplinary approaches: a non‐randomized comparison. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2006;26(6):535‐44. - PubMed
    1. Nispen RMA, Knol DL, Langelaan M, Boer MR, Terwee CB, Rens GHMB. Applying multilevel item response theory to vision‐related quality of life in Dutch visually impaired elderly. Optometry and Vision Science 2007;84(8):710‐20. - PubMed
    1. Nispen RMA, Knol DL, Neve HJ, Rens GHMB. A multilevel item response theory model was investigated for longitudinal vision‐related quality‐of‐life data. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2010;63(3):321‐30. - PubMed
Vreeken 2013 {published data only}
    1. Vreeken HL, Rens GH, Kramer SE, Knol DL, Festen JM, Nispen RM. Dual sensory loss: development of a dual sensory loss protocol and design of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics 2013;13:84. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Vreeken HL, Rens GH, Kramer SE, Knol DL, Nispen RM. Effects of a dual sensory loss protocol on hearing aid outcomes: a randomized controlled rial. Ear and Hearing 2015;36(4):e166‐75. - PubMed
Vukicevic 2009 {published data only}
    1. Vukicevic M, Fitzmaurice K. Eccentric viewing training in the home environment: can it improve the performance of activities of daily living?. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2009;103(5):277‐90.
Wahl 2006 {published data only}
    1. Wahl, H, Kammerer A, Holz F, Miller D, Becker S, Kaspar R, et al. Psychosocial intervention for age‐related macular degeneration: a pilot project. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2006;100(9):533‐43.
West 2003 {published data only}
    1. West SK, Friedman D, Munoz B, Bandeen‐Roche K, Park W, Deremeik J, et al. A randomized trial of visual impairment interventions for nursing home residents: study design, baseline characteristics and visual loss. Ophthalmic Epidemiology 2003;10(3):193‐209. - PubMed
Wittich 2018 {published data only}
    1. Wittich W, Lorenzini MC, Markowitz SN, Tolentino M, Gartner SA, Goldstein JE, et al. The effect of head‐mounted low vision device on visual function. Optometry and Vision Science 2018;95(9):774‐84. - PMC - PubMed

References to ongoing studies

Keay 2018 {published data only}
    1. Dillon L, Clemson L, Coxon K, Keay L. Understanding the implementation and efficacy of a home‐based strength and balance fall prevention intervention in people aged 50 years or over with vision impairment: a process evaluation protocol. BMC Health Services Research 2018;18(1):512. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Keay L, Dillon L, Clemson L, Tiedemann A, Sherrington C, McCluskey P, et al. PrevenTing Falls in a high‐risk, vision‐impaired population through specialist ORientation and Mobility services: protocol for the PlaTFORM randomised trial. Injury Prevention 2018;24(6):459‐66. - PubMed
Lamoureux 2015 {published data only}
    1. Holloway EE, Constantinou M, Xie J, Fenwick EK, Finkelstein EA, Man REK, et al. Improving eye care in residential aged care facilities using the Residential Ocular Care (ROC) model: study protocol for a multicentered, prospective, customized, and cluster randomized controlled trial in Australia. Trials 2018;19(1):650. - PMC - PubMed
NCT00545220 {published data only}
    1. NCT00545220. Problem solving training and low vision rehabilitation. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00545220 Vol. (first received 17 October 2007).
NCT00971464 {published data only}
    1. NCT00971464. Low vision study comparing EV training vs. CCTV for AMD rehabilitation (AMD). clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00971464 (first received 3 September 2009).
NCT02457884 {published data only}
    1. NCT02457884. Effectiveness of training in reading rehabilitation for patients with diabetic macular oedema. clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02457884 (first received 29 May 2015).
NCT03065907 {published data only}
    1. NCT03065907. Timing of low vision rehabilitation in anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy (TRAVIT). clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03065907 (first received 28 February 2018).
NCT03560765 {published data only}
    1. NCT03560765. Mobile electronic devices for visual impairment (MED4VI). clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03560765 (first received 18 June 2018).
nl/trial/7764 {published data only}
    1. nl/trial/7764. Reducing fatigue in visually impaired adults with the E‐nergEYEze intervention. www.trialregister.nl/trial/7764 (first received 28 May 2019).
Rees 2013 {published data only}
    1. Rees G, Mellor D, Holloway E, Sturrock BA, Hegel MT, Casten R, et al. Integrated depression management: a proposed trial of a new model of care in a low vision rehabilitation setting. Ophthalmic Epidemiology 2013;20(5):321‐9. - PubMed
Riazi 2014 {published data only}
    1. Riazi A, Walters K, Rubin G, Ambler G, Jichi F, Mynors‐Wallis L, et al. A pilot randomised controlled trial of Problem‐Solving Treatment for Visual Impairment (POSITIVE): protocol paper. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 2014;34(4):489‐97. - PubMed
Rubin 2011 {published data only}
    1. Brown G, Rubin G. Investigating the impact of Eccentric Viewing Training on reading performance in people with AMD participating in the EFFECT Trial. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2016;57:ARVO E‐abstract.
    1. NCT01499628. EFFECT: eccentric fixation from enhanced clinical training. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01499628 (first received 26 December 2011).
Skelton 2016 {published data only}
    1. Adams N, Skelton DA, Howel D, Bailey C, Lampitt R, Fouweather T, et al. Feasibility of trial procedures for a randomised controlled trial of a community based group exercise intervention for falls prevention for visually impaired older people: the VIOLET study. BMC Geriatrics 2018;18:307. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Skelton DA, Bailey C, Howel D, Cattan M, Deary V, Coe D, et al. Visually Impaired OLder people's Exercise programme for falls prevenTion (VIOLET): a feasibility study protocol. BMJ Open 2016;6:e011996. - PMC - PubMed
Sörensen 2015 {published data only}
    1. Sorensen S, White K, Mak W, Zanibbi K, Tang W, O'Hearn A, et al. The macular degeneration and aging study: design and research protocol of a randomized trial for a psychosocial intervention with macular degeneration patients. Contemporary Clinical Trials 2015;42:68‐77. - PMC - PubMed
Van der Aa 2017 {published data only}
    1. Aa HPA, Rens GHMB, Verbraak FD, Bosscha M, Koopmanschap MA, Comijs HC, et al. Economic evaluation of an e‐mental health intervention for patients with retinal exudative diseases who receive intraocular anti‐VEGF injections (E‐PsEYE): protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2017;7:e018149. - PMC - PubMed
Zijlstra 2009 {published data only}
    1. Ballemans J, Zijlstra GAR, Schouten JSAG, Kempen GIJM. Usefulness and acceptability of a standardised orientation and mobility training for partially‐sighted older adults using an identification cane. BMC Health Services Research 2012;12:141. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Zijlstra GAR, Rens GHMB, Scherder EJA, Brouwer DM, Velde J, Verstraten PFJ, et al. Effects and feasibility of a standardised orientation and mobility training in using an identification cane for older adults with low vision: design of a randomised controlled trial. BMC Health Services Research 2009;9:153. - PMC - PubMed

Additional references

Amtmann 2011
    1. Amtmann D, Cook KF, Johnson KL, Cella D. The PROMIS initiative: involvement of rehabilitation stakeholders in development and examples of applications in rehabilitation research. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2011;92(Suppl 10):S12‐9. - PMC - PubMed
Barker 2015
    1. Barker L, Thomas R, Rubin G, Dahlmann‐Noor A. Optical reading aids for children and young people with low vision. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 3. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010987.pub2] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Binns 2012
    1. Binns AM, Bunce C, Dickinson C, Harper R, Tudor‐Edwards R, Woodhouse M, et al. How effective is low vision service provision? A systematic review. Survey of Ophthalmology 2012;57(1):34‐65. - PubMed
Bookwala 2011
    1. Bookwala J, Lawson B. Poor vision, functioning, and depressive symptoms: a test of the activity restriction model. Gerontologist 2011;51(6):798‐808. - PMC - PubMed
Bourne 2014
    1. Bourne R, Jonas JB, Flaxman SR, Keeffe JE, Leasher J, Naidoo K, et al. Prevalence and causes of vision loss in high‐income countries and in Eastern and Central Europe: 1990–2010. British Journal of Ophthalmology 2014;98(5):629‐38. - PubMed
Bourne 2017
    1. Bourne RRA, Flaxman SR, Braithwaite T, Cicinelli MV, Das A, Jonas JB, et al. Magnitude, temporal trends, and projections of the global prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Lancet Global Health 2017;5(9):e888‐97. - PubMed
Bressler 2014
    1. Bressler NM, Varma R, Suñer IJ, Dolan CM, Ward J, Ehrlich JS, et al. RIDE and RISE Research Groups. Vision‐related function after ranibizumab treatment for diabetic macular edema: results from RIDE and RISE. Ophthalmology 2014;121(12):2461‐72. - PubMed
Brody 2001
    1. Brody BL, Gamst AC, Williams RA, Smith AR, Lau PW, Dolnak D, et al. Depression, visual acuity, comorbidity, and disability associated with age‐related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology 2001;108(10):1893‐900. - PubMed
Bruijning 2013
    1. Bruijning JE, Rens GHMB, Knol DL, Nispen RMA. Psychometric analyses to improve the Dutch ICF Activity Inventory. Optometry and Vision Science 2013;90(8):806‐19. - PubMed
Elsman 2019
    1. Elsman EBM, Al Baaj M, Rens GHMB, Sijbrandi W, Broek EGC, Aa HPA, et al. Interventions to improve functioning, participation, and quality of life in children with visual impairment: a systematic review. Survey of Ophthalmology 2019;64(4):512‐57. - PubMed
Glanville 2006
    1. Glanville JM, Lefebvre C, Miles JN, Camosso‐Stefinovic J. How to identify randomized controlled trials in MEDLINE: ten years on. Journal of the Medical Library Association 2006;94(2):130‐6. - PMC - PubMed
Hayman 2007
    1. Hayman KJ, Kerse NM, Grow SJ, Wouldes T, Robertson MC, Campbell AJ. Depression in older people: visual impairment and subjective ratings of health. Optometry and Vision Science 2007;84(11):1024‐30. - PubMed
Higgins 2011
    1. Higgins JPT, Deeks JJ (editors). Chapter 7: Selecting studies and collecting data. In: Higgins JPT, Green S (editors), Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from www.handbook.cochrane.org.
Higgins 2017
    1. Higgins JP, Altman DG, Sterne JAC, editor(s). Chapter 8: Assessing risk of bias in included studies. In: Higgins JPT, Churchill R, Chandler J, Cumpston MS (editors), Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.2.0 (updated June 2017), Cochrane, 2017. Available from www.training.cochrane.org/handbook.
Kempen 2012
    1. Kempen GIJM, Ballemans J, Ranchor AV, Rens GHMB, Zijlstra GAR. The impact of low vision on activities of daily living, symptoms of depression, feelings of anxiety and social support in community‐living older adults seeking vision rehabilitation services. Quality of Life Research 2012;21(8):1405‐11. - PMC - PubMed
Lim 2014
    1. Lim YE, Vukicevic M, Koklanis K, Boyle J. Low vision services in the Asia‐Pacific region: models of low vision service delivery and barriers. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 2014;108(4):313‐22.
Maghami 2014
    1. Maghami MH, Sodagar AM, Lashay A, Riazi‐Esfahani H, Riazi‐Esfahani M. Visual prostheses: the enabling technology to give sight to the blind. Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research 2014;9(4):494‐505. - PMC - PubMed
Massof 2001
    1. Massof RW, Rubin GS. Visual function assessment questionnaires. Survey of Ophthalmology 2001;45(6):531‐48. - PubMed
Massof 2005
    1. Massof RW, Hsu CT, Baker FH, Barnett GD, Park WL, Deremeik JT, et al. Visual disability variables. I: the importance and difficulty for activity goals of a sample of low vision patients. Archives of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation 2005;86(5):946‐53. - PubMed
Massof 2007
    1. Massof RW, Deremeik JT, Park WL, Grover LL. Self‐reported importance and difficulty of driving in a low‐vision clinic population. Ophthalmic Epidemiology 2007;48(11):4955‐62. - PubMed
Owsley 2009
    1. Owsley C, McGwin G, Lee PP, Wasserman N, Searcey K. Characteristics of low vision rehabilitation services in the United States. Archives of Ophthalmology 2009;127(5):681‐9. - PMC - PubMed
Pascolini 2012
    1. Pascolini D, Mariotti SP. Global estimates of visual impairment: 2010. British Journal of Ophthalmology 2012;96(5):614‐8. - PubMed
Pesudovs 2007
    1. Pesudovs K. Patient‐centered measurement in ophthalmology ‐ a paradigm shift. BMC Ophthalmology 2007;6:25. - PMC - PubMed
Pollock 2011
    1. Pollock A, Hazelton C, Henderson CA, Angilley J, Dhillon B, Langhorne P, et al. Interventions for disorders of eye movement in patients with stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 10. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008389.pub2] - DOI - PubMed
Roets‐Merken 2015
    1. Roets‐Merken LM, Draskovic I, Zuidema SU, Erp WS, Graff MJL, Kempen GIJM, et al. Effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in improving emotional and functional status in hearing or visually impaired older adults: a systematic review with meta‐analyses. Clinical Rehabilitation 2015;29(2):107‐19. - PubMed
Samoocha 2010
    1. Samoocha D, Bruinvels DJ, Elbers NA, Anema JR, Beek AJ. Effectiveness of web‐based interventions on patient empowerment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2010;12(2):e23. - PMC - PubMed
Scott 1999
    1. Scott IU, Smiddy WE, Schiffman J, Feuer WJ, Pappas CJ. Quality of life of low‐vision patients and the impact of low‐vision services. American Journal of Ophthalmology 1999;128(1):54‐62. - PubMed
Skelton 2013
    1. Skelton DA, Howe TE, Ballinger C, Neil F, Palmer S, Gray L. Environmental and behavioural interventions for reducing physical activity limitation in community‐dwelling visually impaired older people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 5. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009233.pub2] - DOI - PubMed
Stelmack 2001
    1. Stelmack J. Quality of life of low‐vision patients and outcomes of low‐vision rehabilitation. Optometry and Vision Science 2001;78(5):335‐42. - PubMed
Van Nispen 2009
    1. Nispen RMA, Boer MR, Hoeijmakers JGJ, Ringens PJ, Rens GHMB. Co‐morbidity and visual acuity are risk factors for health related quality of life decline: five months follow‐up EQ‐5D data of visually impaired older patients. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2009;7:18. - PMC - PubMed
Virgili 2010
    1. Virgili G, Rubin G. Orientation and mobility training for adults with low vision. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 5. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003925] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Virgili 2018
    1. Virgili G, Acosta R, Bentley SA, Giacomelli G, Allcock C, Evans JR. Reading aids for adults with low vision. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 4. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003303.pub4] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
WHO 2007
    1. World Health Organization. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/ (accessed 28 October 2019), issue 11th revision.
WHO 2013
    1. World Health Organisation. Universal eye health. A global action plan 2014‐2019. www.who.int/blindness/actionplan/en/ (accessed 28 October 2019).
WHO 2017
    1. World Health Organisation. International standards for vision rehabilitation: report of the international consensus conference: Rome, 9‐12 December 2015: Universal access to low vision rehabilitation. www.iapb.org/resources/international‐consensus‐conference‐vision‐rehabil... (accessed 28 October 2019).

References to other published versions of this review

Langelaan 2008
    1. Langelaan M, Nispen RMA. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation and monodisciplinary rehabilitation for visually impaired adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006543] - DOI

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources