Factors related to the use of a head-mounted display for individuals with low vision

Abstract

Aim

The decision-making process around the (non-)use of assistive technologies is multifactorial. The goal of the present study was to identify which factors predict or correlate with the use of a head-mounted magnification device for low vision (LV) (eSight Eyewear), by applying this multifactorial paradigm in order to tailor LV rehabilitation interventions to reduce device abandonment.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, participants were recruited from 567 eSight Eyewear owners to complete a 45-min survey online including questions from standardized questionnaires classified into four families: personal, device-related, environmental, and interventional. Using current device use/nonuse as a binary outcome, logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the variables that predicted the highest percentage of variance in eSight use.

Results

The 109 (19.2%) respondents with complete data had a mean age of 47.7 years (SD = 25.4, range: 9–96), 51% self-reported a central visual impairment. The final regression model alternatives accounted for 84.7%, 68.7%, 83.7%, and 64.7% (Nagelkerke’s pseudo R²) of the variance in eSight use. The most consistently predictive variables of sustained device use across models were: higher scores on the Psychological Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST) scale, and participants’ lack of experiencing headaches while using the device.

Conclusions

None of the traditional clinical variables (demographics, ocular, or general health), or LV rehabilitation experience was predictive of sustained use of a head-mounted LV display. However, the administration of standardized device-impact questionnaires may be able to identify device users that could benefit from individualized attention during LV rehabilitation provision to reduce the probability of device abandonment.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Investigating the factors predicting (non-)use of head-mounted magnification devices for low vision (LV) is important to identify patients with a higher risk of device nonuse and to provide evidence for interventions designed to improve use.

• The optimal combinations of our statistical analysis models highlighted the importance of individualized attention focusing on the user during LV rehabilitation provision of, and training with, head-mounted devices.

• Standardized device-related quality of life measures were robust predictors of device use and may be able to identify individuals that could benefit from individualized attention during LV rehabilitation.

• The absence of headaches while using a head-mounted magnification device was a robust predictor of continued use.

• User follow-up service satisfaction strongly predicted continued devices use, indicating that manufacturers and rehabilitation service organizations need to maintain a high level of service.

Keywords:

• Visual impairment
• assistive technology
• head-mounted display
• magnification
• adherence
• abandonment

Acknowledgements

This study follows the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship IT08595 Grant.