Awareness Of Low Vision Rehabilitation Services Within The Geriatric Population.

Background: A survey was generated for the geriatric population, age 60 and older,
inquiring about their level of awareness of Low Vision Rehabilitation Services provided
by the optometric community. The population targeted by this survey was senior citizens
who attend senior centers during the day for activities and meals. Methods: A survey was drafted and distributed at lunchtime to geriatric individuals over the age of 60 yearsat senior centers. Questions in the survey explored if the person had low vision, if they were receiving low vision services, if they were aware of low vision services, if they know anyone who had utilized low vision services, and other questions helping to reveal the geriatric population's awareness of the services offered by low vision providers.
Results: 75% of the geriatric population who were surveyed are unaware of low vision
rehabilitation services. There is also a significant number of patients with decreased
vision due to retinal disease in one or both eyes who have not heard of low vision
rehabilitation services. Conclusion: Participants who had visited their eye care provider within the last year were more likely to be aware of low vision rehabilitation services. Those individuals who have retinal disease in one or both eyes and/or are legally blind should have these services recommended to them by their eye doctor. They should ideally be educated multiple times and the recommendation should also be presented to any caregivers or children present at their appointment leading to the awareness of the hope that low vision rehabilitation services can provide for individuals with decreased visual function.