Usability of smartphone apps as reading aids for low vision patients

Silva, Paula Baptista Eliseo da; Leal, Ariadne Stavare; Ferraz, Nívea Nunes

doi:10.1080/17483107.2020.1820086

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Abraham et al 12 found that a significant number of people living with severe vision impairment or blindness used smartphones; however, most users are unaware of its full functionality and assistive capabilities, as shown during vision rehabilitation. A number of free apps have proved useful in people with different levels of vision impairment across a range of needs, 13 including remote orientation and mobility instruction. 14 Multidisciplinary group training in the use of apps was shown to be beneficial in older people.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of electronic devices by people attending vision rehabilitation services in Italy: A study based on the device and aids registry (D.A.Re)

Bartolomei,

Costanzo,

Parravano

et al. 2023

European Journal of Ophthalmology

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Purpose To investigate the characteristics of electronic device users, specifically smartphones and tablets, in the Device & Aids Register (D.A.Re), from several low-vision rehabilitation services in Italy. Methods We collected general and clinical information about ocular and systemic diseases, visual function, reading speed and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaire score. Technological details of each optical and electronic device, (including screen size, touch-screen and OCR functions, text-to-speech function) were also collected. Results 1218 patients (752 females and 466 males) were included in our analysis, mean age 71.5 (±18.8) years. Users of electronic aids (n.237) were slightly younger (67 vs 72 years, p < 0.001) than non-users (n.981), had a worse reading speed (38 vs 65 words/minute), critical print size (43 vs 28 print size, p < 0.001), poorer visual acuity (VA)(1.0 logMAR or less: 30% non-users vs 73% users, p < 0.001) and more commonly visual field restriction within 10° (23% vs 14%, p = 0.001). A similar proportion of users and non-users were retired (about 70%) and about 16–17% were employed. The use of portable electronic devices (5″or less, p < 0.001; 6″ to 18″ screen size, p = 0.017) was associated with better IADL scores, and the use of stand devices with worse IADL score (p < 0.001); Furthermore, using smartphones and tablets (193 subjects) was strongly associated with better IADL scores. Conclusion We found that using electronic devices, and especially smartphone and tablets, were associated with better vision-related quality of life in low-vision people attending rehabilitation services. While this association does not mean causality, these findings seemed robust to confounder adjustment.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of electronic devices by people attending vision rehabilitation services in Italy: A study based on the device and aids registry (D.A.Re)

Bartolomei,

Costanzo,

Parravano

et al. 2023

European Journal of Ophthalmology

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“…Unfortunately, there is little evidence that the currently available rehabilitation interventions for people with poor vision are effective: a review of 44 studies found that interventions (ranging from psychological therapies to rehabilitation programmes and assistive technologies) ultimately had little effect on quality of life, although it was acknowledged that the available data were limited by short follow-up periods [60]. One study in 2020 showed that smartphone apps were effective, practical and useable reading aids for people with visual impairments [61]. Rehabilitation programmes that are based on the perspectives of patients could be more effective at improving aspects of daily life that are important to people with vision loss.…”

Section: Jacqueline's Experience Of Living With Dmimentioning

confidence: 99%

Living Without a Diagnosis: A Patient’s Perspective on Diabetic Macular Ischemia

Humphreys

Sivaprasad

2022

Ophthalmol Ther

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Diabetic macular ischemia (DMI) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy (DR) that can result in progressive and irreversible vision loss. DMI is associated with damage in the vessels that supply blood to the retina and the enlargement of the foveal avascular zone. Currently, there are no approved treatments specifically for DMI. Furthermore, there is limited published information about the prognosis, prevalence or outcomes of DMI, and there is no consensus regarding diagnostic criteria. It is vital to ensure that there is sufficient, accessible and accurate information available to support patients, caregivers and physicians. To lay the foundation for more research into DMI and its impact on patients, we (a patient with DMI and an expert ophthalmologist) have worked together to interweave our personal perspectives and clinical experiences with a review of currently available literature on DMI. The development of a set of

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“…Christy et al, (12) found 57 apps and divided them into 12 categories such as voiceover, braille, food, etc. The overall ratings of the 57 apps were ranges from 2.3 to 4.55. da Silva et al, (13) found using a magni er app the reading acuity was improved and reading speed was not improved when compared with and without magni er apps. Luo (14) found textual image was commonly used in magni er app by accessibility users.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Effectiveness of smartphone application as a tool to improve functional vision and quality of life of visually impaired people

Ramamurthy

2024

Preprint

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Introduction: Visually impaired people are facing difficulties to do their day to day activities. Smartphone application as a low-vision devices help visually impaired people to do their functional activity. Thus, it improve the quality of life of visually impaired people. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Special interest group discussion was conducted to shortlist the selected apps which help visually impaired people to do their day to day activities. Low Vision Quality Of Life questionnaire was used to assess the low-vision management and rehabilitation. The questionnaire was translated into Tamil language. Face validation and cognitive verification was done. The questionnaire was rephrased. English and final version Tamil questionnaires were administered to 21 visually-impaired people. Participants (n=8) familiar with the smartphone applications namely Lookout Google and Sullivan+ were included. Tamil LVQOL questionnaire and feedback about the usefulness of the smartphone application were obtained from the app users. Results: From the experts opinion, two apps were selected namely Lookout Google and Sullivan+. For questionnaire, the mean age of the 21 visually impaired people was 25.76 ± 8.6 (age ranges from 17-56). The median quality of life score was statistically insignificant (p=0.47) between English and Tamil questionnaire. The overall Cronbach’s alpha value for Tamil LVQOL was 0.95. The overall Intraclass correlation coefficient value of English and Tamil questionnaire was 0.82. The mean age of the eight smartphone applications users were 22.12 ± 3.51 (age ranging from 17-29). The mean quality of life score was statistically insignificant (p=0.32) between the smartphone application non-user and user. From the feedback about 75% of the participants said that Lookout google and Sullivan+ apps were useful for their day to day activities. Reading was the most commonly used feature in both the apps. These apps were also useful for doing day to day activities. Conclusion:The translated and validated Tamil version of the LVQOL showed a good reliability. Smartphone applications such as Lookout Google and Sullivan+ applications can help visually impaired people to do their day to day activities

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Usability of smartphone apps as reading aids for low vision patients

Cited by 6 publications

References 24 publications

Use of electronic devices by people attending vision rehabilitation services in Italy: A study based on the device and aids registry (D.A.Re)

Use of electronic devices by people attending vision rehabilitation services in Italy: A study based on the device and aids registry (D.A.Re)

Living Without a Diagnosis: A Patient’s Perspective on Diabetic Macular Ischemia

Effectiveness of smartphone application as a tool to improve functional vision and quality of life of visually impaired people

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