Abstract
The West Virginia Survey of Visual Health was conducted to determine the types and frequency of barriers to vision treatment experienced by persons with visual health problems and low vision in West Virginia. The study used a Random Digit Dial (RDD) sample to gather information from 1026 households. Cross-tabulation of two variables were used to classify respondents or their family members as having low vision. Among the 1026 homes surveyed, 233 households reported having at least one or more persons with vision health problems. Out of the 233 households, 57 individuals were classified as having low vision. West Virginians who report vision health problems are older and tend to rate their physical health lower compared to those with normal vision. Treatment patterns illustrate that a large number of respondents see an eye doctor on an irregular basis. Economic barriers for the vision health population appear substantial. Transportation barriers are common among the low vision population. The impact of vision health problems on people's lives is substantial causing pain and frustration. Knowledge of rehabilitation is also a major barrier to treatment. No more than 18% of the vision health population reported knowledge of low vision rehabilitation. Vision health problems are frequent in West Virginia affecting about 23% of households. Economic, transportation, and psychosocial barriers affect the patterns and type of treatment sought and services obtained among West Virginia residents with low vision problems.
