Experiences of an Ophthalmologist during Evaluation and Motivation of Patients with Low Vision in a Low Vision Aid Cell

Aim Explore the challenges faced by an ophthalmologist during evaluation and counselling of a patient with low vision. Material and methods After establishment of the new LVA centre, the challenges faced at various steps in the establishment and running of the LV centre are described under the heading 1) Establishing the LV centre 2) Introducing LVA to the patients 3) Motivating patients with LV for LVA 4) Evaluation using other ancillary tests 5) Dealing with no improvement in vision 6) Counseling Observation and discussion Even though setting up of a low vision centre was not difficult, the patients awareness about such services was poor due to the weird appearance and closer working distance of these LVAs. Patients had more preference for spectacles, medical or surgical management for their low vision rather than LVAs. Most patients were poorly motivated, and manifested a given up attitude probably as a result of psychological impact of low vision. Performing ancillary visual tests was found to be more time consuming and added no value to the result. It was also difficult to explain to some patients why they did not improve with low vision aids which may worsen their already depressed state of mind. The authors felt the need for a trained counsellor for motivation and counselling of patients with low vision, more so in cases where there was futility of treatment and perceived lack of family support. Conclusion Active and sustained efforts are required in motivating the LV patients for LVA. They should be holistically managed with contributions from counsellor, psychiatrist or psychologists with equal contribution from the patient and the care takers.