Perceptions and use of technology in older people with ophthalmic conditions

Abstract

Background: Technologies such as mobile applications are increasingly being developed for patients to help manage their clinical conditions. However there is a paucity of information confirming the capacity or willingness of older patients with ophthalmic complaints to engage with such computer applications. The aim of this paper is to assess the perception and use of a range of common computing technologies by older ophthalmic patients, in order to guide future ophthalmology-specific development and clinical use. Methods: Patients attending Manchester Royal Eye Hospital were surveyed with questions designed to measure their perceptions, attitudes and experiences of using technology. Inclusion criteria included any patient aged 40 or over who attended the ophthalmology outpatients department. Results: A total of 300 patients completed the questionnaire. The male-to-female ratio was 169:127. The majority of patients owned predominantly mobile forms of technology such as tablets and smart phones. The most common uses of technology were for communicating with friends, watching television and gathering information. Patients aged over 80 had particular difficulty using technology and used it less regularly. Less than 10% overall stated eyesight as a reason for stopping using technology. Conclusions: Technology is used regularly by a large proportion of older ophthalmic patients, with numbers reducing significantly only in those aged 80 years or over. There appears to be potential for further medical use, though developers and clinicians should consider the perceptions and challenges highlighted through this survey.

Tablet‐based tests of everyday visual function in a diabetic macular oedema (DME) clinic waiting area: A feasibility study

“…This seems strange given DR/DME patients are likely ideal candidates for a home‐monitoring programme as many will already be accustomed to self‐monitoring other aspects of their condition 40 . Moreover, the age demographic profile of DR/DME patients means that these individuals are likely to be more accepting of technology than those with age‐related eye disease 57 . Indeed, studies on this topic are now beginning to emerge 58…”