Characteristics of individual low-vision rehabilitation counseling among older adults: A qualitative 2-year follow-up study

Abstract

Visual impairments (VI) burden particularly the aging population globally. To ensure healthy aging despite disability, the health care systems must provide effective low-vision rehabilitation services (LVR) for those in need. Low-vision rehabilitation counseling (LVRC) requires specialized multidisciplinary teamwork and has not been studied in detail among the elderly. This study aims to provide a comprehensive picture of individual LVRC actions and introduce a LVRC classification to use for attempts to improve the LVRC processes. This study employed a qualitative follow-up design. Data describing the individual LVRC processes in a prospective cohort of elderly patients with VI ( n = 39) were collected individually over 2 years during the years 2016–2019. The data were analyzed through deductive content analysis. The analyzed LVRC provided assistive devices, services, and home modifications, but problems related to independent movement in the living environment, psychosocial burdens, adaptation to disability, and learning new compensatory skills received less attention. To ensure effective LVRC, the multiprofessional team providing the rehabilitation should emphasize goal-setting and continuous assessment. LVRC should be seen as a process of adaptation, adherence, and learning. LVRC should support and promote older adults to participate and function to their full potential in the modern society, which includes utilizing digital technologies.