Optometric and Multidisciplinary Approaches in Prescribing Low Vision Aids

Introduction: It is expected that the number of visually impaired elderly will increase dramatically over the next decades. This will result in more ophthalmic consultations and an increased demand on visual rehabilitation. In the Netherlands there seem to be great differences in optometric and multidisciplinary approaches in prescribing low vision aids. Purpose: To describe possible differences between optometric and multidisciplinary approaches in their prescription of low vision aids. Methods: A non-randomised prospective cohort study among elderly > 50 years of age in the Netherlands to compare the number and type of prescribed low vision aids by optometric and multidisciplinary services and the relation of these aids to characteristics such as visual acuity and age. This study is part of a large ongoing study in the Netherlands on the outcome on the quality of life of visually impaired elderly of rehabilitation. Results: Optometric services prescribed significantly more low vision aids per patient (m...