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Telerehabilitation allows for at-home low vision training
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Telerehabilitation allows providers to deliver personalized training to improve reading ability with magnification devices, relieving patients from the burden of leaving their home for in-office training sessions.
A study was set up to evaluate the feasibility, acceptance and results of this approach in 10 low-vision patients with macular pathologies.
They were provided with loaned tablets, mobile hotspot and external speakers and attended 1-hour telerehabilitation sessions via a videoconference portal. A normal-sighted companion was present, if needed, to help in the process of setting up the equipment and connecting with the providers.
Standard low vision training procedures were used, including the administration of the MNREAD test and other printed materials reflecting the patients’ specific interests. Individualized training in the use of the magnifier was provided, tailored to the need of each participant, as in clinical practice.
Patients commented favorably about the experience, found this approach comfortable and said that the training session helped them improve their reading with the magnifier. Eight out of 10 strongly agreed that they would be interested in using telerehabilitation again. Providers were also satisfied with their ability to evaluate patients’ performance.
The authors noted that these encouraging results were obtained in spite of the fact that only two of the patients previously had access to computer and Internet technology. However, poor familiarity with technology could potentially be a limitation in setting up larger programs.
“Over the next decade, we anticipate a shift in visually impaired patients’ acceptance of technology as the Baby Boomer population ages; thus, these limitations will likely become less of a concern, and participants’ acceptance will probably increase,” they wrote. – by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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