Focus-QoL: Measuring quality of life in low vision

Abstract

Low vision can have a profound impact on quality of life, affecting mobility, day-to-day visual tasks, social functioning, and psychological wellbeing. Existing quality of life measures used in low vision tend to concentrate on visual function at the expense of psychosocial adjustment. We report the development of a new measure of quality of life in low vision. Focus groups were held with low vision centre staff and clients to explore the areas that affect quality of life in people with low vision. A content analysis was used to develop a 25-item questionnaire and a client priorities form. Questionnaires were posted to a random sample of 200 clients, and completed with 72 consecutive clients in a low vision clinic. Principal component analysis identified three factors: the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks; independence; and motivation. The measure can be analysed as a single scale with scores ranging from 0 to 100 and higher scores indicating better quality of life. Clients had the most difficulty with reading books, newspapers and letters, using public transport, and engaging in hobbies or leisure activities. Clients also reported a lack of confidence, feeling worried about doing something embarrassing, and staying at home because of their eyesight. Focus-QoL is a brief measure of quality of life, and combined with the client priorities form, it could help low vision service providers target resources to best meet individual client needs.