Barriers to utilizing low vision devices among non-users with low vision: A cross-sectional study

Background: By recognizing and comprehending the obstacles that prevent low vision devices (LVDs) from being used effectively, the burden of blindness can be reduced. Objective: To find the barriers to the utilization of low-vision devices (LVDs) among non-users in patients with low vision. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the low vision department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye hospitals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan for a duration of six months from July 2021 to December 2021. Low-vision individuals with visual acuity ˂6/18 fulfilling the criteria of low vision and prescribed low-vision devices over the period of 6 months but not using them were included in this study. A total of n=420 patients were evaluated for eligibility, out of which n=255 were prescribed low-vision devices due to low vision. The data was collected on the self-structured questionnaire in accordance with the tenets of Helsinki’s declaration. Results: Out of n=255, a total of n=105 were using (acceptance) and n=150 were not using (non-acceptance) the LVDs. Out of 15 possible barriers, fear of being perceived as blind N=120(80%) is the major cause of non-acceptance of devices among low-vision individuals. It was followed by difficulty in handling low-vision devices n=106(70.7%) and low affordability n=106(70.7%). While fear of loss of job 2(1.3%) was selected as the least occurring problem in non-acceptance of devices. Conclusions: Leading barriers included stigma, lack of information, concern over losing one's job, fear of being viewed as blind, and low necessity. Keywords: blindness; low vision; low-vision devices.