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Importance The study highlights the burden of near visual impairment (NVI) in India. Background NVI is a common condition that can be addressed through provision of spectacles. The study aims to assess the prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage among those aged ≥40 years in south Indian state of Telangana. Design Population-based cross-sectional study using a rapid assessment methodology. Participants Five thousand one hundred forty participants enumerated from 123 clusters in two districts and have presenting distance visual acuity of ≥6/18 in the better eye. Methods Presenting near vision was assessed binocularly at a fixed distance of 40 cm using a log MAR chart with tumbling E optotypes in ambient lighting conditions. If the presenting near vision was worse than 6/12 (log MAR 0.3), then it was re-assessed with addition lens appropriate to the age. NVI was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than 6/12. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage. Results The mean age of the participants was 51.1 years (standard deviation: 9.3 years), and 46.5% ( n = 2392) were women. About 80% ( n = 4142) of them had no education, and 21.9% ( n = 1126) were using spectacles for near vision. Nearly half of the participants were from Adilabad district ( n = 2665). The prevalence of NVI was 58.3% (95% confidence interval: 56.9-59.6). NVI was associated with older age groups, male gender and no education. The spectacle coverage was 26.5%. Conclusions and relevance NVI is common in rural Telangana with low spectacle coverage. Service delivery programs should use a multi-pronged approach to address the burden of NVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Students with cognitive impairment are at increased risk of suffering from visual impairment due to refractive errors and ocular disease, which can adversely influence learning and daily activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ocular and visual status among students at the special education school in Hualien.Methods: All students at the National Hualien Special Education School were evaluated. Full eye examinations were conducted by a skilled ophthalmologist. The students' medical records and disability types were reviewed.Results: A total of 241 students, aged 7-18 years, were examined. Visual acuity could be assessed in 138 students. A total of 169/477 (35.4%) eyes were found to suffer from refractive errors, including 20 eyes with high myopia (≤-6.0 D) and 16 eyes with moderate hypermetropia (+3.0 D to +5.0 D). A total of 84/241 (34.8%) students needed spectacles to correct their vision, thus improving their daily activities and learning process, but only 15/241 (6.2%) students were wearing suitable corrective spectacles. A total of 55/241 students (22.8%) had ocular disorders, which influenced their visual function. The multiple disability group had a statistically significant higher prevalence of ocular disorders (32.9%) than the simple intellectual disability group (19.6%).Conclusion: Students with cognitive impairment in eastern Taiwan have a high risk of visual impairment due to refractive errors and ocular disorders. Importantly, many students have unrecognized correctable refractive errors. Regular ophthalmic examination should be administered to address this issue and prevent further disability in this already handicapped group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual impairment and intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome is characterized by a number of permanent ophthalmic changes, including loss of visual function. It occurs in some astronauts during long-duration spaceflight missions. Thus, understanding the pathophysiology of VIIP is currently a major priority in space medicine research. It is hypothesized that maladaptive remodeling of the optic nerve sheath (ONS), in response to microgravity-induced elevations in intracranial pressure (ICP), contributes to VIIP. However, little is known about ONS biomechanics. In this study, we developed a custom mechanical testing system that allowed for unconfined lengthening, twisting, and circumferential distension of the porcine ONS during inflation and axial loading. Data were fit to a four-fiber family constitutive equation to extract material and structural parameters. Inflation testing showed a characteristic 'cross-over point' in the pressure-diameter curves under different axial loads in all samples that were tested; the cross-over pressure was $$10.3 \pm 0.95$$ mmHg ( $$\hbox {mean} \pm \hbox {SEM}$$ ). Large sample-to-sample variations were observed in the circumferential strain, while only modest variations were observed in the circumferential stress. Multiphoton microscopy revealed that the collagen fibers of the ONS were primarily oriented axially when the tissue was loaded. The existence of this cross-over behavior is expected to be neuroprotective, as it would avoid optic nerve compression during routine changes in gaze angle, so long as ICP was within the normal range. Including these observations into computational models of VIIP will help provide insight into the pathophysiology of VIIP and could help identify risk factors and potential interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To review the current literature on socioeconomic disparities relationship with cataract prevalence, characteristics, and management.Summary: Cataracts are an important cause of preventable visual impairment in both the developing and industrialized world. Cataract surgery is a highly effective operation with an excellent risk profile. Furthermore, cataract surgery has been shown to have significant positive functional, social, and economic implications for patients. Several medical conditions have been shown to have correlation with socioeconomic factors and cataract is among several forms of visual impairment that demonstrate this relationship. Disparities in prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management are documented in the ophthalmic literature. A better understanding of these socioeconomic factors and their clinical relevance is critical to alleviating the burden of cataract-related visual impairment in an aging population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the longitudinal impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during amblyopia treatment for school-aged children from children’s perspective. Methods: School-aged children prescribed amblyopia treatment for the first time were recruited into the current study. Using a questionnaire, subjects’ HRQOL was assessed before patching treatment, and at 8 weeks and 16 weeks after the commencement of patching treatment. Evaluation of visual function and psychosocial aspect was included in the questionnaire. Visual acuity and demographic data of the subjects were recorded. Results: Forty-four children, aged 7–12 years, with anisometropic amblyopia were included in the study. Visual acuity in the amblyopic eye improved 1.90 (0.41–3.74) and 3.98 (2.22–5.11) lines at follow-up weeks 8 and 16, respectively. Both the total score and subscales of the questionnaire were reduced at the first follow-up and recovered at the second follow-up. Scores at week 16 were higher than those before treatment in the psychosocial aspect (p = 0.003), and lower in the visual function aspect (p < 0.001), without significant difference in total score (p = 0.207). Visual acuity in the amblyopic eye and psychosocial expectations for treatment were the most important factors that influenced HRQOL during treatment. Conclusions: From the children’s perspective, the impacts on visual function and psychosocial aspect were significant in the first two months of treatment, and could be adapted during therapy for school-aged children. More attention should be paid to negative effects of treatment on daily life and study at the stage of amblyopia treatment for school-aged children. Meanwhile, necessary precautions should be taken to help reduce the impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Compare self-reported vision with visual function measured in the first ophthalmologic evaluation and correlate the findings with the following variables: age, gender, educational status and visual acuity. Methods: Patients files treated in the first ophthalmologic evaluation at a private clinic were raised. Visual function measured at the appointment was carried out using the Snellen chart. Data has been tabulated in an Excel spreadsheet and subjected to statistical analysis (Fisher's Exact test) in order to verify the influence of the variables according to p-value< 0.05. Results: Out of 300 patients evaluated, 66 (22%) had low vision (LV) at the first ophthalmologic evaluation, 46 (69.69%) of them had reported LV before the exam and 20 (30.30%) had not. There was no statistical difference in the presence (p= 0.78) or in the perception of LV (p= 0.30) in relation to gender. All patients over 75 years-old had LV, which was significant in relation to the different age groups (p< 0.0001). There was no significant difference in relation to the perception of LV between age groups (p= 0.166). Conclusion: Gender and educational status were not statistically significant. Age and visual acuity levels were significant according to the distribution of LV in those over 75 years-old and people with severe vision loss, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sustaining a visual impairment may have a substantial impact on various life domains such as work, interpersonal relations, mobility and social and mental well-being. How to adjust to the loss of vision and its consequences might be a challenge for the visually impaired person. The purpose of the current study was to explore how younger male ex-Service personnel cope with becoming visually impaired and how this affects their daily life.Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 30 visually impaired male ex-Service personnel, all under the age of 55, were conducted. All participants are members of the charity organisation Blind Veterans UK. Interviews were analysed thematically.Results: Younger ex-Service personnel applied a number of different strategies to overcome their loss of vision and its associated consequences. Coping strategies varied from learning new skills, goal setting, integrating the use of low vision aids in their daily routine, to social withdrawal and substance misuse. Vision loss affected on all aspects of daily life and ex-Service personnel experienced an on-going struggle to accept and adjust to becoming visually impaired.Conclusions: Health care professionals, family and friends of the person with the visual impairment need to be aware that coping with a visual impairment is a continuous struggle; even after a considerable amount of time has passed, needs for emotional, social, practical and physical support may still be present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment (VI), their associated causes and underlying risk factors in three tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh, India and compare this data in conjunction with data from other countries with low and middle income settings. Methods: Using a validated Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology, a two stage sampling survey was performed in these areas involving probability proportionate to size sampling and compact segment sampling methods. Blindness, VI and severe visual impairment (SVI) were defined as per the WHO guidelines and Indian definitions. Results: Based on a prior enumeration, 7281 (97.1%) subjects were enrolled (mean age = 61.0+/27.9 years). Based on the presenting visual acuity (PVA), the prevalences of VI, SVI and blindness were 16.9% (95% CI: 15.7-18.1), 2.9% (95% CI: 2.5-3.4), and 2.3% (95% CI: 1.9-2.7), respectively. When based on the Pinhole corrected visual acuity (PCVA), the prevalences were lower in VI (6.2%, 95% CI: 5.4-6.9), SVI (1.5%, 95% CI: 1.2-1.9) and blindness (2.1%, 95% CI: 1.7-2.5). Refractive error was the major cause of VI (71.4%), whereas, cataract was the major cause of SVI and blindness (70.3%). Based on the PVA, the odds ratio (OR) of blindness increased in the age groups of 60-69 years (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.8, 5.1), 70-79 years (OR = 10.6, 95% CI: 7.2, 15.5) and 80 years and above (OR = 30.7, 95% CI: 19.2, 49). The ORs were relatively higher in females (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.6) and illiterate subjects (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 2.2, 8.5), but lower in those wearing glasses (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.4). Conclusions: This is perhaps the first study to assess the prevalence of blindness and VI in these tribal regions and the majority of the causes of blindness and SVI were avoidable (88.5%). These findings may be useful for planning eye care services in these underserved regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speech therapy as a science aims to study and favors the communication of the subject with their social groups, including: the family. The participation of this speech pathologist is essential in the therapy team working with visual impairment. Thus, the integrated work between professional and family becomes of great theoretical and practical relevance for rehabilitation. The objective was to conduct group intervention with relatives in order to promote knowledge about visual impairment, enable and qualify their conduct in the inclusion process. The study was conducted in a university rehabilitation service. It was obtained approval of the Ethics Committee and the participants signed an informed consent form. Data collection occurred through initial and final interview and group intervention with family and focus groups with teens. The initial interview supported the selection of topics for group meetings. This paper reports the case of a family member who implemented changes in his home, taking the information from the intervention groups to the whole family. The results highlight the importance of working with the family so that it supports the child in order to promote their school development and effective inclusion. It was showed the importance of the speech therapy work as a mediator in this process, enhancing communication and family involvement in education and rehabilitation of persons with visual disabilities. Therefore, the group intervention enabled and described the conduct of the family, been able to notice changes in perception and family attitudes towards real needs and possibilities of the child with visual impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygen pressure and the concentration of reactive oxygen species in blood and tissues. Increased oxygen pressure may be beneficial in some diseases, such as in the treatment of diabetic leg ulcers and diabetic retinopathy; however, due to their cytotoxic properties, an excess of reactive oxygen species in tissues and/or deficiencies in antioxidant activity, may contribute to complications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, such as cataract. This review examines the possibility that increased tissue concentrations of reactive oxygen species may also exacerbate other ocular diseases. For example, reactive oxygen species and deficiencies in antioxidant activities contribute to the pathogenetic processes in keratoconus. Such impact may be exacerbated by exposure to additional reactive oxygen species during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The senescent eye may be particularly prone to oxidative damage as exemplified by conditions such as macular degeneration and cataract. Because of its high consumption of oxygen, the retina is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, which plays a major role in retinopathy. For example, under normal conditions age-related macular degeneration involves oxidative stress and death of the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may exacerbate these processes. In addition to cataract, age-related macular degeneration and keratoconus, there may be other ocular diseases for which exposure to hyperbaric oxygen therapy-related oxidative stress may be significantly adverse. In all such cases, careful pre-examination and evaluation of the potential risk and benefit from this form of therapy appears to be warranted. Unless it could interfere with the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, antioxidant dietary supplementation may be indicated in conjunction with any hyperbaric oxygen therapy, when there are co-existing diseases for which oxidative stress could have significantly adverse side effects. Delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy may need to be modified or it may even be contraindicated in these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypotensive properties have been attributed to the stigma/style of Zea mays L (corn silk). Although the effect of corn silk extract on blood pressure has been documented in animal studies, we are not aware of any study on its effect on human blood pressure and intraocular pressure. Methods A randomised study was carried out on the effect of water only, masked doses of corn silk aqueous extract (60, 130, 192.5 and 260 mg/kg body weight) on intraocular pressure and blood pressure of 20 systemic and 20 non-systemic hypertensive subjects. Intraocular pressure and blood pressure were measured at baseline and every hour for eight hours after administering water or a masked dose of corn silk aqueous extract. Each dose was administered at two-week intervals to each subject in the two study groups. Results The results showed that the last three doses of corn silk aqueous extract gave a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) in mean intraocular pressure and blood pressure within eight hours of administration. The peak effect on intraocular pressure was observed after four hours and this was preceded by the peak effect on blood pressure, which occurred after three hours of administration. The hypotensive effect was dose-dependent in the two groups. Conclusion Corn silk aqueous extract has a lowering effect on intraocular pressure in systemic and non-systemic hypertensive subjects. This may have resulted from the fall in blood pressure that is due to potassium-induced natriuresis and diuresis caused by the high potassium content in the high doses of the corn silk extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim was to determine whether latitudinal ( Queensland versus Tasmania) variation in reported disease frequency in Australia may be biased by differences in population. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted from data of two large Australian twin studies (n = 1,835) having undertaken ophthalmic examination, namely, Twins Eye Study in Tasmania ( TEST) and the Brisbane Adolescent Twins Study ( BATS). Ordinal logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios and predicted probabilities for each category of eye colour by state. Results Tasmanian residence was associated with lower odds of darker iris colour (odds ratio 0.77, 95% CI [0.63-0.95]) signifying that participants living in Tasmania ( TAS) are less likely to have darker-coloured irides than those residing in Queensland ( QLD). For individuals living in Tasmania the predicted probability ( TAS versus QLD) of having light blue eyes was greater (16.7 versus 13.3 per cent), approximately the same for green eyes and less for brown/dark brown-coloured eyes (6.2 versus 7.9 per cent). Conclusions We found a general trend of individuals living in the southern states ( TAS/VIC) of Australia having lighter-coloured irides compared to those living in the north ( QLD). This finding has potential implications for all epidemiological research conducted to explore differences in UV-associated disease frequency in Australia, as population heterogeneity may confound the estimates obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim was to investigate the effects of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser capsulotomy on the main numerical parameters of the anterior segment with Pentacam in patients with opacification of the posterior capsule. Methods Thirty eyes of 30 patients (19 male, mean age 66.9 ± 8.1 years) with visually significant posterior capsular opacification were enrolled. Patients had undergone phacoemulsification surgery with three-piece intraocular lens (Sensar, AMO, USA) implantation. Full ocular examination was performed before and after capsulotomy. Intraocular pressure (Goldmann applanation tonometry) and refractive changes were measured. Pentacam measurements of the patients before and one week and one month after capsulotomy were obtained. Results Mean visual acuity (logMAR) improved pre-operatively (0.50 ± 0.36) to one week (0.04 ± 0.07) and one month after capsulotomy (0.03 ± 0.06; p < 0.001). Mean spherical and cylindrical powers were 0.50 ± 0.98 DS and -1.61 ± 1.00 DC before the procedure and 0.10 ± 0.80 DS and -0.92 ± 0.66 DC at one month, respectively. There was a significant decrease in cylindrical errors (p = 0.001) and a myopic shift in spherical errors (p = 0.01) after the procedure. Mean anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 4.26 ± 0.63 mm before the procedure, 3.73 ± 0.56 mm at one week and 3.75 ± 0.56 mm at one month. The decrements in anterior chamber depth were significant (p < 0.001). The mean of the anterior chamber angle measurements was 43.41 ± 6.87 degrees before the procedure, increased to 45.56 ± 7.01 degrees at one week and decreased to 44.56 ± 6.13 degrees at one month. The increments in anterior chamber angle at the first week of the procedure were significant (p = 0.01). Mean central corneal thickness was 549.60 ± 41.70 μm before the procedure, increased to 551.40 ± 39.72 μm at one week and decreased to 542.30 ± 35.48 μm at one month. The decrements in central corneal thickness were significant (p = 0.048). Conclusion Mean anterior chamber depth decreased by approximately 0.5 mm after capsulotomy. This decrement in anterior chamber depth might be a clue for associated complications, such as unwelcome refractive errors, changes at intraocular lens position, post-procedure intraocular pressure increases and acute glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim was to compare the impact of rigid gas-permeable ( RGP) contact lenses on vision-related quality of life ( VR-QOL) in keratoconic patients with different grades of severity. Methods This comparative study was conducted from December 2012 to September 2013 on 46 patients with bilateral keratoconus. Patients were divided into three groups according to the average of the steep keratometry ( K) readings in the two eyes of each patient. Main outcome measures included binocular visual acuity ( VA), lens wearing time, the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire ( NEI-VFQ-25), foreign body ( FB) sensation, comfort and overall satisfaction. Results Patients with severe keratoconus showed significantly reduced wearing time compared with the other two groups (4.8 ± 2.5 hours per day). Regarding the subjective criteria, there was no significant difference on NEI-VFQ-25 scores, foreign body sensation, comfort and overall satisfaction between mild and moderate keratoconus groups but scores in the group with severe keratoconus were significantly lower than the other two groups. Binocular VA strongly correlated with NEI-VFQ-25 scores; however, NEI-VFQ-25 scores had no significant correlations with different disease severities. Conclusions Appropriate correction with RGP lenses contributes to good VR-QOL for keratoconic patients; however, as the disease progresses to a steep keratometric value of more than 52 dioptres (6.50 mm), RGP lenses did not guarantee a relatively good VR-QOL. Other lens options with new designs might bring better life quality for these patients with severe keratoconus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims Advances in therapy have improved outcomes for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Prompt access to treatment is a priority and may be used as a key performance indicator. In this study, we investigate how social deprivation may impact on access to services, treatment and visual impairment registration. Methods Patients were identified retrospectively through the Certificate of Visual Impairment system for the University Hospitals Birmingham Medical Retina service. The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2007 score was calculated for each patient. The impact of deprivation, age, gender and ethnicity on key stages in the care pathway was assessed. Results 120 patients were identified. Patients with greater social deprivation were under-represented, had worse visual acuity at first presentation (correlation of the better-seeing eye with IMD 0.225 (p=0.013)) and had sight-impairment registration earlier (correlation −0.246; p=0.007). Deprivation did not affect time to first appointment, and was not associated with a higher rate of non-attendance. Conclusions The late presentation and under-representation of patients with greater social deprivation is a serious concern. Our study strongly suggests that this vulnerable group is encountering barriers in accessing treatment in nAMD, and that these occur prior to entry into the Hospital Eye Service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Adolescents with visual impairment (VI) perceived lower parental support than sighted adolescents. [•] This difference is based on students from residential schools. [•] Adolescents with VI perceive higher levels of teacher support than their sighted peers. [•] There is large heterogeneity within the groups of adolescents with visual impairment. [•] High perceived support from all sources showed positive associations with life-satisfaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: This study aims to identify and critically examine the personal and social autonomy of visually impaired people (blindness) after undergoing rehabilitation services in a single specialized institution. Methods: The method used in the study possessed qualitative approach, by organizing interviews and questionnaires to collect data. Study subjects are visually impaired people (blindness), who went through rehab, and their family members who accompanied the process.. The study involved the six people with visual impairments, graduates of the Unit for Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired - URDV between the years 2002 and 2009, and six family members, one member to each person with visual impairment. Results: The survey results indicate that rehabilitation provided alternatives for determining changes to people with visual impairments in their socialcontext. Conclusion: This research showed that the conquest or reconquest of personal and social autonomy of this population was reached, providing thus a better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the concept of a system for identification of dangerous areas in the urban area targeted at the people with visual dysfunction. The idea of the system is presented comprising the attempt of application of the wireless data transmission: IR - infra-red; BLUETOOTH; RFID. The consideration comprises also the identification of the object (human), identification of the movement direction (double barrier), wireless data transmission with data on the given dangerous area, excitation of the vibration information and the feedback of the system. Also the subject of optimal installation on the urban objects was discussed. The article is a realisation of the research task in the project called "The development of the method for marking of the dangerous areas and especially important places in urban area for visually impaired people with use of the wave-vibration markers". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a psychoacoustical evaluation of selected acoustic signals, which according to Polish and international recommendations can be applied at pedestrian crosswalks. The aim of the study was the optimal adjustment of parameters of the signals emitted at pedestrian crosswalks, and to meet the expectations of persons with vision impairments as well as nearby residents or workers working near the crossing. The psychoacoustical evaluation of acoustic signals consists of determination of the hearing threshold of signals in the quiet, detection of signals presented against a background of various types of traffic noises (estimated signal-to-noise ratio) and annoyance assessment of signals. Three types of intermittent sounds were analysed: signals with rectangular time pattern filled up with rectangular wave, signals with rectangular time pattern filled up with sinusoidal wave and signals with triangular time pattern filled up with sinusoidal wave. Four fundamental frequencies (550 Hz, 880 Hz, 1580 Hz and 2000 Hz) and two repetition rates (5 Hz and 9 Hz) were tested. The results of the study have shown that the most suitable signals which can be applied at pedestrian crosswalks are the intermittent sounds with rectangular time pattern filled up with rectangular wave of fundamental frequencies 880 Hz and 1580 Hz and repetition rate 5 Hz and the intermittent sounds with rectangular time pattern and triangular time pattern both filled up with sinusoidal wave of fundamental frequencies 1580 Hz and repetition rate 5 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 9 of the book "History of Special Education (Advances in Special Education)" is presented. It explores the history of understanding and defining visual impairments and notes the pioneers and major contributors and their theoretical ideas that facilitated the development and growth of the field. It traces the advances in educational practices, assessment tools, legislation, and technology that are aimed to assist individuals with visual impairment and their families.

The article discusses educated visually impaired Nigerians who are able to utilize library information services. The author notes that libraries providing services for the visually impaired have trouble obtaining alternative-format information materials, thereby not allowing the visually impaired access to materials they want. Emphasis is given to the demographic character of the visually impaired population, occupations of the visually impaired, and the causes of visual impairment. Those capable of accessing library materials are predominantly male. The majority are entirely blind, and most work as artisans or teachers. Impairment was largely caused by disease and sickness.

The article offers the author's insights regarding her experiences and challenges for having a visual impairment. The author says that she was born with ocular cancer that causes no vision on her left eye and low vision on her right eye. She says that she struggled in finding a school that offers disability service for her impairment when she was a student. She also mentions her experiences when she became a teacher such as difficulty in reading and recognizing the faces of her students.

This review focusses on cross-modal plasticity resulting from visual deprivation. This is viewed against the background of task-specific visual cortical recruitment that is routine during tactile tasks in the sighted and that may depend in part on visual imagery. Superior tactile perceptual performance in the blind may be practice-related, although there are unresolved questions regarding the effects of Braille-reading experience and the age of onset of blindness. While visual cortical areas are clearly more involved in tactile microspatial processing in the blind than in the sighted, it still remains unclear how to reconcile these tactile processes with the growing literature implicating visual cortical activity in a wide range of cognitive tasks in the blind, including those involving language, or with studies of short-term, reversible visual deprivation in the normally sighted that reveal plastic changes even over periods of hours or days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, audio description is used to enable visually impaired people to access films. It presents an important limitation, however, which consists in the need for visually impaired audiences to rely on a describer, not being able to access the work directly. The aim of this project was to design a format of sonic art called audio film that eliminates the need for visual elements and for a describer, by providing information solely through sound, sound processing and spatialisation, and which might be considered as an alternative to audio description. This project is also of interest for the domains of auditory displays and sonic interaction design, as solutions need to be found for effectively portraying storytelling information and characters' actions through sound (not narration). In order to explore the viability of this format, an example has been designed based on Roald Dahl's Lamb to the Slaughter (1954) using a 6.1 surround sound configuration. Through executing the design of this example, we found that this format can successfully convey a story without the need either of visual elements or of a narrator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines restrictions of activity experienced by partially sighted individuals when accessing football opportunities at the grassroots level. The social relational understanding of disability enables an understanding of the manifestation of socially imposed restrictions of activity and 'impairment effects' within this particular sporting context. Although some players experience impairment effects, restrictions of activity are also socially imposed and constitute disability. The organisation of the British Blind Sport Visually Impaired Football League (BBSVIFL) forces players to travel long distances to participate and poor awareness of opportunities presents a further socially imposed restriction of activity. An increasing emphasis on competition over participation in the BBSVIFL and the classification of partially sighted footballers are socially imposed restrictions of activity for players with more severe visual impairment. A change in the format of football in the BBSVIFL from five-a-side to Futsal, the format of small-sided football recognised by Federation Internationale de Football Association and played in all international tournaments, raises further concerns. For players with more severe visual impairment, this change could lead to another socially imposed restriction of activity which has the potential to leave them in 'no man's land' in terms of access to football opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks closer into the various ways visually impaired people make their own space through practice. Space-making is not necessarily dependent on sight. Use of other senses, such as hearing, smell or touch, is equally important, but these senses are often missed when the point of departure is to view our surroundings as something we see, not something we construct and live in, or, embody. The focus of this article will be on people with visual impairment and the complex and diverse ways in which they relate to and experience the spatial world. The article is based on my PhD project, entitled 'Living with visual impairments - visual impairment as experience'. The project seeks to gain insight into how living with visual impairment is experienced. Such knowledge has been attained through a study involving fieldwork in everyday life situations with people with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the effect of personal (coping strategies and locus of control) and social resources (family and friendship support) on adjustment to chronic vision impairment in older adults at baseline (rehabilitation service application), 6 months, and 18 months later. Method: 313 community dwelling, English speaking older adult applicants to a vision rehabilitation agency in the northeast were interviewed in their homes following informed consent. Results: A larger portion of variability was accounted for in positive compared to negative outcomes. Greater use of acceptance coping, less use of wishfulness coping, lower endorsement of chance locus of control, and higher family support were associated with better baseline adaptation, yet these predictors had little effect on short- or long-term change in adaptation. Higher friendship support predicted increased adaptation to vision loss at both follow-up points. Friendship support was also associated with decreased depression at Time 3, and lower use of wishfulness was related to decreased depression at Time 2. Conclusion: Results showed differential effects for positive versus negative outcome variables, short- versus long-term adaptation, personal and social resources, and within social resources, for family versus friendship support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were (1) to elicit the users’ responses to four electronic head-mounted devices (Jordy, Flipperport, Maxport and NuVision) and (2) to correlate users’ opinion with performance. Ten patients with early onset macular disease (EOMD) and 10 with age-related macular disease (AMD) used these electronic vision enhancement systems (EVESs) for a variety of visual tasks. A questionnaire designed in-house and a modified VF-14 were used to evaluate the responses. Following initial experience of the devices in the laboratory, every patient took home two of the four devices for 1 week each. Responses were re-evaluated after this period of home loan. No single EVES stood out as the strong preference for all aspects evaluated. In the laboratory-based appraisal, Flipperport typically received the best overall ratings and highest score for image quality and ability to magnify, but after home loan there was no significant difference between devices. Comfort of device, although important, was not predictive of rating once magnification had been taken into account. For actual performance, a threshold effect was seen whereby ratings increased as reading speed improved up to 60 words per minute. Newly diagnosed patients responded most positively to EVESs, but otherwise users’ opinion could not be predicted by age, gender, diagnosis or previous CCTV experience. User feedback is essential in our quest to understand the benefits and shortcoming of EVESs. Such information should help guide both prescribing and future development of low vision devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hannah Kuper and colleagues report a population-based case-control study conducted in three countries that found an association between poverty and visual impairment from cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimates of the prevalence of visual impairment caused by uncorrected refractive errors in 2004 have been determined at regional and global levels for people aged 5 years and over from recent published and unpublished surveys. The estimates were based on the prevalence of visual acuity of less than 6/18 in the better eye with the currently available refractive correction that could be improved to equal to or better than 6/18 by refraction or pinhole. A total of 153 million people (range of uncertainty: 123 million to 184 million) are estimated to be visually impaired from uncorrected refractive errors, of whom eight million are blind. This cause of visual impairment has been overlooked in previous estimates that were based on best-corrected vision. Combined with the 161 million people visually impaired estimated in 2002 according to best-corrected vision, 314 million people are visually impaired from all causes: uncorrected refractive errors become the main cause of low vision and the second cause of blindness. Uncorrected refractive errors can hamper performance at school, reduce employability and productivity, and generally impair quality of life. Yet the correction of refractive errors with appropriate spectacles is among the most cost-effective interventions in eye health care. The results presented in this paper help to unearth a formerly hidden problem of public health dimensions and promote policy development and implementation, programmatic decision-making and corrective interventions, as well as stimulate research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few recent studies have shown that poverty is an exacerbating and often determining factor in the incidence of disabling conditions, including visual impairment. Recent estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that 90 per cent of all those affected by visual impairment live in the poorest countries of the world. India is home to one-fifth of the world's visually impaired people and therefore, any strategies to combat avoidable blindness must take into account the socio-economic conditions within which people live. This paper looks at the relationship between poverty and blindness in India and suggests strategies to address blindness prevention in a comprehensive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa carries a disproportionate responsibility in terms of blindness and visual impairment. With approximately 10 per cent of the world’s population, Africa has 19 per cent of the world’s blindness. It is no surprise that this reality also mirrors the situation in terms of the burden of world poverty. There is an increasing recognition of the need to highlight the link between poverty, development and health care. Blindness, disabling visual impairment and the overall lack of eye-care services are too often the result of social, economic and developmental challenges of the developing world. The state of eye care in Africa stands in alarming contrast to that in the rest of the world. Poor practitioner-to-patient ratios, absence of eye-care personnel, inadequate facilities, poor state funding and a lack of educational programs are the hallmarks of eye care in Africa, with preventable and treatable conditions being the leading cause of blindness. Eye diseases causing preventable blindness are often the result of a combination of factors such as poverty, lack of education and inadequate health-care services. The challenge that Vision 2020 has set itself in Africa is enormous. Africa is not a homogenous entity, the inter- and intra-country differences in economic development, prevalence of disease, delivery infrastructure and human resources amplify the challenges of meeting eye-care needs. The successful implementation of Vision 2020 programs will be hindered without the development of a comprehensive, co-ordinated strategy that is cognisant of the differences that exist and the need for comprehensive solutions that are rooted in the economic and political realities of the continent as well as the individual countries and regions within countries. This strategy should recognise the need for economic growth that results in greater state funded eye-care services that focus on health promotion to ensure the prevention of eye disease, the development of eye clinics in hospitals and health clinics, and the training of the appropriate human resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Many populations living in poverty are affected by trachoma. The infectious organism is provided with an ideal milieu for transmission, where markers of poverty are present. These include overcrowding, lack of adequate water resources, limited use of water for personal hygiene, inadequate waste disposal and other conditions that encourage the proliferation of flies. This review summarises treatment strategies that have been effectively instituted in many countries to reduce the prevalence of trachoma. The review promotes partnerships working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals developed by the United Nations to address issues associated with poverty. These goals are in keeping with many of the strategies to reduce the burden of potentially blinding trachoma that afflicts some of the world's poorest citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Papillary meningiomas are rare meningeal tumors and are associated with aggressive clinical behavior as compared with other meningiomas. Because of their rare occurrence, they may pose a diagnostic dilemma to the unwary pathologist. We report a case of papillary meningioma in a 16-year-old boy. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old boy presented with complaints of headache, progressively diminishing vision and more recently generalized seizures. MRI revealed a large bifrontal meningioma which showed presence of a predominantly papillary pattern with areas of focal necrosis, frequent mitoses and bone invasion. He underwent radical excision of the tumor and is free from recurrence or metastasis at 15 months follow-up. Conclusion: Papillary meningiomas are rare but well recognized variants of meningioma. They need to be differentiated from other intracranial tumors with a papillary pattern. They are malignant, frequently show bone and parenchymatous invasion and have the potential for extracranial metastasis. Their timely recognition could prevent local and distant metastasis and the mortality or morbidity associated with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article reports on a study of 10 adolescents with visual impairments and their best friends. It found that each adolescent had a unique perspective on the impact of visual impairment on family, school, and peer relationships but that all valued their friendships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of 12 adolescents with visual impairments on the social support they received from their parents. Data were generated from in-depth interviews, field notes, a reflexive journal, informal observations, and time lines of life events. Emerging themes illustrated processes by which participants received emotional, informational, and tangible support. The implications for the training of parents, rehabilitation counselors, and educators are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which examined whether adolescents with and without visual impairments differed in social support and self-esteem. Methodology; Three types of social support measures used in the study; Results of the study; Conclusion.

Drawing on a wider study of community care arrangements for visually impaired people in England and Wales, this paper explores the implementation of contractual arrangements as part of the developing formalization of partnerships between local authority social services departments and voluntary organizations. It argues the importance of conceiving contract management as a complex set of social processes involving a diversity of interests and inequalities of power, where skills in negotiation are central to promoting greater participation in community care policy and practice. It concludes with a brief discussion of the relevance of social work to the implementation of this key area of contemporary community care arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the role of eyesight in the workplace. In particular, he focuses on the need for eyesight tests in order to ensure fewer workplace accidents as a result of sight failure. Health education in this area is discussed and the introduction of mandatory optometrist appointments are considered.

The article offers the author's insights on balancing between self-reliance and dependence on others that concerns blind individuals. It states that the best means to change the incorrect thoughts of the public about blindness is to lead by example such as personally painting the house, taking the trash can out and returning the empty cans in, or by going out to buy things on the store. It cites that it is crucial for blind individuals to have confidence and attain independence.

This article presents a reprint of the article entitled The Contribution of Research to Practical Pedagogy, published in Summer 1922 issue of Outlook for the Blind. In this issue we are printing another article by Dr. Hayes, a report upon the spelling of the blind, prepared for the 1922 Convention of the A. A. I. B., but not read because the program was too congested. This paper, also, is based upon extensive research in schools far the blind, and supplemented by a discussion of the practical application of the modern pedagogy of spelling to a group of poor spellers in Mt. Holyoke College. At the end of the article we are glad to find suggestions for the improvement of spelling in our own schools.

The major studies on the inter-relationship between visual performance and road accident records are briefly reviewed. Statutory standards of vision for vehicle drivers are discussed, together with the responsibilities of the driver, Licensing Authority and those offering advice to drivers on their standards of vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses glaucoma treatment and its overall impact on the patient. Quality of life of an individual is badly affected after being diagnosed with glaucoma for reasons like loss of vision, cost of treatment, worries and side effects. Several methods are developed to find out quality of life against different treatments such as Visual Function Questionnaire, by National Eye Institute in the USA. The doctor has a key role in maintaining the quality of life a glaucoma patient.

The article offers updates on the improvements and developments in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Alliance to Eliminate Blinding Trachoma by 2020. It stresses that 13 years after 2007, the organization's vision has showed much progress. It notes the significance of implementing full scale SAFE strategy in endemic countries by 2015 which will allow the prevention of blinding trachoma.

The article discusses strategies in the development and implementation of community health projects concerning the prevention of corneal blindness. It suggests eye care workers should identify the disease's risk factors, immediate medical causes, and social components. It advises determining the impact of corneal blindness, trauma, and the program on the community. It outlines the three levels of corneal blindness prevention. It recommends cooperation with the decision-making bodies of the community that are responsible for health and development. It notes the importance of the communities in leading health programs.

The article focuses on how to cope with vision loss. Accordingly, the loss of vision, which may occur at birth or may caused by an infection and environmental condition, is not discriminatory. Moreover, vision loss requires a person to cope with an increased amount of stress while being able to function in an environment with fewer stimuli. The author stresses that those suffering from vision loss require rehabilitation to restore the skills they need on performing daily activities in life and on restoring their quality of life. Also cited is the fact that the loss of vision is incredibly challenging to fathom and accept so those in denial are at risk of increased difficulties in recovery from such a problem.