Visual Performance After Visual Aids Usage Among Visual Impaired Persons in Metta Pracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing), Thailand

Abstract

Background: Visually impaired individuals face limitations that necessitate rehabilitation to enhance their visual abilities. This includes the use of visual aids and training in essential skills to enable independent living. Objective: The study aims to compare the visual performance of visually impaired persons' first use and continuous rehabilitation for 1-3 months using visual aids. Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study involving male and female visually impaired individuals who received services at the Visual Rehabilitation Center at Metta Pracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing). The sample size consisted of 123 participants. The instrument used for data collection was the Thai version of the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) have three components: 1) Reading and accessing information 2) Mobility and independence 3) Emotional well-being. Paired Sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: When comparing the initial use of the device (IVI) and continuous use for 1-3 months (IVI2) all components showed significant statistical differences (p <. 001). Conclusion: The use of visual aids in visually impaired individuals significantly enhances their visual performance. This approach has shown to be effective and should be expanded and integrated into health service units throughout Thailand.