Low vision service delivery: an audit of newly developed outreach clinics in Northern Ireland

Authors: Lindsay, J.¹; Bickerstaff, D.²; McGlade, A.²; Toner, A.³; Jackson, A. J.

Source: Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, Volume 24, Number 4, July 2004 , pp. 360-368(9)

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Abstract:

Recent publications recommend that low vision services are multi-professional; easily accessible; freely available to all those with visual impairment; monitored by professional and patient groups, and responsive to user feedback. These standards were applied when developing low vision outreach services in Northern Ireland in 1999/2000. Results are reported of the complete clinical audit cycle, coupled with a patient satisfaction telephone questionnaire, which was used to evaluate the service. Of the 48 patients randomly selected from the list of clinic attendees, 28 (58%) were female, 27 (56%) over 80 years of age and 38 (78%) had a primary ocular diagnosis of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Of the 46 low vision aids issued at patients' first appointments, 30 (67%) were illuminated stand magnifiers and 29 (63%) had magnification levels of ×5 or less. A total of 46 (96%) patients reported that they had benefited from low vision services.

Keywords: clinical audit; low vision; visual impairment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-1313.2004.00227.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA 2: Personal Social Services Directorate, Eastern Health and Social Services Board, Belfast 3: Department of Clinical Audit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Publication date: 2004-07-01