The Impact of the Severity of Vision Loss on Vision-Related Quality of Life in India: An Evaluation of the IND-VFQ-33

Abstract

Using a psychometrically valid IND-VFQ, only severe VI and blindness led to a clinically meaningful decline in vision-specific mobility and activity limitation. This finding reflects the current protocol for cataract surgery referral in developing or transitional countries, where priority is given to patients with at least moderate to severe VI.

Population-based assessment of vision-related quality of life in corneal disease: results from the CORE study

“…This was in contrast to previously reported studies conducted in the South Indian population, where mild VI was not associated with impaired VR-QoL 14. A unique finding in the present study was that in participants with corneal opacity who had normal vision the IND-VFQ-33 scores for general functioning and visual symptoms were significantly higher than controls, implying greater visual disability in spite of same quantity of vision in both groups.…”

Functional and Visual Acuity Outcomes of Cataract surgery in Timor-Leste (East Timor)

“…The choice of instrument used to assess visual function may be considered a limitation especially as some recent studies have questioned the psychometric properties of the IND-VFQ when using Rasch analysis. 30,31 However, the analysis of the instrument using Rasch methodology was not available during the study design phase. It is a moot point if visual function results would have been different if we used a different instrument.…”

Vision-specific and psychosocial impacts of low vision among patients with low vision at the eastern regional Low Vision Centre

“…6,7 Low vision is said to have implications for visual function and psychosocial well-being which may include the ability to perform activities of everyday living, depression or mental health and driving. 8,9,10 In developed countries, many studies have been conducted to understand the specific visual, functional and psychological challenges patients with low vision face which have informed management, intervention programs and services in those countries. 11,12 However, in Ghana, very few studies 13 have been conducted to assess the visual and psychosocial implications of low vision on patients living with low vision although the national population census conducted in 2010 in Ghana indicated growing incidence of low vision in the country 14 for which reason a Low Vision Centre has been established to manage such patients.…”