ROLE OF CLINICAL FACTORS IN THE OUTCOME OF LOW-VISION REHABILITATION WITH TELESCOPIC SPECTACLES

1. Although headborne telescopic spectacles (TS) theoretically improve visual functioning, many low vision patients are unable to ruse their prescribed TS for any purpose. A review of clinical records was under taken to determine whether clinical or demographic variables could pre dict outcome of rehabilitation with TS. 2. Outcome with TS was documen ted by questionnaire or interview of 137 low vision patients without n ystagmus. 3. The study revealed that 46% of the patients failed to ben efit from prescribed TS. 4. Outcome was significantly related to age o f first TS use and visual field loss. A formula for predicting outcome based on these factors was derived using logistic regression analysis . 5. The predictive formula classified successful and unsuccessful pat ients with 66% accuracy, an improvement over clinical judgment alone. The formula could be a useful, inexpensive adjunct to clinical judgmen t.