NATIONAL SURVEY OF THE IMPACT OF LOW-VISION DEVICE USE AMONG VETERANS

Background. This report presents the results of a 2-year study of vete rans' use of low vision devices (LVDs) which were prescribed and dispe nsed through the Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRCs) and Visual Impair ment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) of the Department o f Veterans Affairs. Methods. Two-hundred veterans using 740 LVDs were surveyed by telephone 12 to 24 months after the prescription/dispensin g of the devices. Reliability (test-retest) and validity (content, cri terion-related, and construct) were established for the survey. Primar y analysis of the data was accomplished through tabular presentations. Factor analyses were used to describe prescription and use patterns. Results. Most (85.4%) of the devices were still in use, Having a helpe r in the home was a demographic variable related to continued use, Nei ther age, acuity, nor etiology were related to continued use. Strong p rescription and use patterns emerged. Most veterans reported receiving >20 h of training and >20 h of practice in the use of their LVDs. Con clusions. Most veterans who receive LVDs through the service delivery system of the Department of Veterans Affairs appear to use them for a wide variety of daily tasks and reported that they obtain a great deal of benefit from their use.