Meeting the need for post-stroke vision care in Australia: a scoping narrative review of current practice

Abstract

Purpose Determine current vision care pathways and practices for stroke survivors in Australia and internationally, focusing on identifying reoccurring gaps in these pathways and unmet care needs. Method A scoping narrative review was conducted to identify literature related to post-stroke vision care practices and perspectives of patients and health professionals. Results A total of 16193 articles were retrieved and 28 deemed eligible for inclusion. Six were Australian, 14 from the UK, four from the USA, and four from within Europe. Post-stroke vision care is largely unstandardized, with substantial inconsistency in the use of vision care protocols, who executes them and at what point in post-stroke care they are utilised. Health professionals and stroke survivors expressed that unmet care needs were primarily a result of lack of education and awareness regarding post-stroke eye problems. Other gaps in care pathways related to the timing of vision assessment, provision of ongoing support, and the integration of eye-care specialists into the stroke team. Conclusion Further research is needed into current Australian post-stroke vision care to accurately assess whether the needs of stroke survivors are being met. Available evidence indicates that in Australia, there is a requirement for well-defined protocols for vision screening, education, management, and referral of stroke survivors. Implications for Rehabilitation Post-stroke vision care in Australia is unstandardised, which may cause inequities in vision care provision to Australian stroke survivors in different regions and/or care facilities. Education and training pertaining to stroke-related vision conditions for stroke healthcare professionals and the inclusion of eye-care professionals in stroke care teams is likely to improve gaps in care practice/pathways identified in the current evidence base. Management of stroke-related visual conditions should be inclusive of detailed information provision that is specific to the patients condition(s) and circumstances, as well as ongoing, long-term management strategies/support services to better aid stroke survivor”s reintegration into the community.