Visual and Functional Assessment in Low Vision Patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised crossover study to assess the usuability of two new vision tests in patients with low vision and the relationship of the measures to the ability to perform daily living tasks with visual information.
IRAS ID
123643
Contact name
Robert MacLaren
Contact email
Research summary
This study will evaluate two vision testing charts in a population of patients with low vision who cannot be reliably evaluated with existing vision charts. Current methods of vision assessment are unable to reliably quantify visual acuity in the population under review. Visual acuity is used as a primary measure of visual function and is often used in assessing the success of ophthalmic interventions. Having a repeatable and reliable way of measuring visual acuity is therefore important for ongoing clinical care. The level of vision measured will be equated to functional abilities with the use of a survey. A better understanding of the relationship between function and visual acuity in low vision patients will provide more definitive end points for research targeting the low vision population. This is especially important with the increased focus on therapies for this patient group, such as the use of retinal implants. A clearer understanding will also provide practitioners involved in low vision rehabilitation with more realistic aims of what can be achieved in this patient population. This study is being funded by the Biomedical research Council and will be conducted with patients seen in the Ophthalmology outpatient clinics in Oxford Eye Hospital. One of the new charts is computer based and the other uses hand held cards with varying targets. Both these tests will be conducted and compared.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/SC/0234
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion