A self-management program for low vision: Program overview and pilot evaluation

Abstract

Purpose. This article describes a new low vision-specific self-management (SM) program for older adults with vision impairment, and provides preliminary data on program evaluation from two small pilot groups.

Method. The SM program was an 8-week, structured group program aiming to enhance participants' skills to manage the practical and emotional consequences of vision impairment. The pilot evaluation was a single group post-test design. Participants took part in a structured interview to obtain their views on the content, format and delivery of the program.

Results. The program was perceived as useful and the duration and level of information provided were deemed appropriate. Participants reported the program to have a positive impact on their mood, understanding of low vision and services available and their ability to manage the challenges of low vision.

Conclusions. The content and delivery of the program is appropriate for older individuals with vision impairment. Further work is required to provide a methodologically sound evaluation of this program and contribute to the evidence-base regarding the effectiveness of approaches to vision rehabilitation.

Keywords:

• Quality of life
• self-management program
• vision impairment

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Janet Cronin for facilitating the pilot groups and her help in developing the ‘Living with Low Vision’ program. We would also like to thank Vision Australia for their support in this project especially the staff at the pilot centres, those involved in recruitment and all guest presenters. Thanks to the program participants for taking part in the pilot evaluation. This project is funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant. We would also like to thank the Jack Brockhoff Foundation the Victorian Lions Foundation and Eye Research Australia Foundation for their support. Dr. E. Lamoureux is funded by the NHMRC Career Award Fellowship and Prof Jill Keeffe is funded by the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital's Wagstaff Fellowship in Ophthalmology.