Goldilocks and the three training models: A comparison of three models of low vision reading training on reading efficiency

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 speed...