Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine if there were performance differences for subjects with age-related maculopathy (ARM) reading with optical devices or closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) based upon amount of training. Performance was measured as reading speed and duration. METHODS In the first experiment ninety subjects participated in an experiment comparing two models of training: a traditional model (TM) consisting of 10 optical device training sessions and 15 CCTV training sessions was compared to a shorter training model termed the empirical model (EM) derived from a post hoc review of training records. The EM consisted of five optical device training sessions with five practice sessions and seven CCTV trainings sessions with eight practice sessions. In the second experiment the EM was compared to a training model used by many private agencies/clinics termed the private sector model (PS) that consisted of one optical device training session or two CCTV training sessions. RESULTS Reading speeds for optical devices were significantly better for subjects in the EM groups compared to the TM or PS groups. Subjects trained on a CCTV in the EM group also attained significantly greater reading speeds than did subjects in the TM or PS groups. Reading durations for optical devices and CCTVs did not vary significantly between training models. CONCLUSIONS Training provided significant improvement in reading speeds for patients with central visual field loss; however, there was a dosage effect. The effect mirrored the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears when she found the porridge was too hot, too cold, or just right. Our comparison of training models found that too much or too little training could be provided and either extreme will have a negative impact on reading speed. The data suggests that a 'just right' dosage of training can maximize the efficacy of low vision reading interventions.