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

Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2004 Jul;24(4):360-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2004.00227.x.

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 x5 or less. A total of 46 (96%) patients reported that they had benefited from low vision services.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities / standards*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Audit / methods*
  • Northern Ireland
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Vision, Low / therapy*