PRINTED CARDS FOR MEASURING LOW-VISION READING SPEED

There is a growing consensus that clinical evaluation of the real-worl d consequences of eye disease requires new performance-based tests, Th is is because Snellen acuity and other common clinical tests are often poor predictors of everyday function. Ahn and Legge [(1995) Vision Re search, 35, 1931-1938] validated a computerized test of reading speed by showing that it provides an accurate prediction of low-vision readi ng performance with magnifiers. Here, we describe development of a pri nted-card version of the test suitable for clinical use. This printed- card test retains key design features of the validated computerized te st, including the same set of sentences and display format. Data from 23 low-vision subjects showed that a very simple testing procedure usi ng printed cards and a stop watch could be used effectively to estimat e reading speed. Reading speed based on a single card was quite accura te (SD equal to about 18% of the mean) and showed no practice effects from one card to the next. Reading speeds obtained with printed cards correlated highly (r = 0.887) with those from computerized testing. We conclude that a simple test, using printed cards, can be used to obta in useful estimates of low-vision reading speed.