Dr.PAVITRA RAVIKUMAR

Dr.Sahithya Bhaskaran

Abstract

Low vision services are scarce, poorly funded and under-utilized in developing nations. A prospective study to evaluate the quality of life after digital resource training at vision rehabilitation services in tertiary centre. Certified Non-visual Desktop Access software(a free screen reading software) training of 60 hours was given to visually impaired. A low vision quality of life questionnaire, with 25 questions on Likert scale of 0-5, which measures multiple aspects of daily living was administered to 50 new low-vision referral patients before and after 6 months of training. Out of 50 patients, 13 enrolled in jobs, 20 pursued higher studies. Significant improvemen(p<0.001) in independent activities of daily living, reading, fine work, social well-being, economic impact and attitude towards life was observed. Digital Resource Training helps in curbing the disabled people from turning into handicap, thus reducing economic & social burden in the community if there is timely referral.