Visual ability in adolescents with visual impairment

Abstract

To investigate the visual ability (the ability to perform everyday tasks) of adolescents with visual impairment (VI) at the Arthur Blaxall School in Pietermaritzburg. This study was an observational, descriptive research study conducted at the Arthur Blaxall School for children and adolescents with VI. Students registered at the school aged between 10 and 19 years were recruited using convenience sampling. Visual ability was assessed with the Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children (CVAQC). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The sample consisted of 70 participants with a mean age of 13.83 ± 2.28 years. The most common cause of VI was oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) followed by posterior segment disorders. The mean visual ability score was −0.27 ± 0.74 log units, and the most difficult tasks were reading the smallest print in textbooks and the chalkboard in the classroom. Males and participants aged 14–19 years had significantly better visual ability than females and participants aged 10–13 years, respectively. Participants with anterior segment disorders had the poorest visual ability while those with OCA had relatively better visual ability. The variation of visual ability and therefore quality of life, regardless of the cause of VI, needs to be considered when managing individuals with VI. Furthermore, younger adolescents may experience more difficulty coping with VI than older adolescents. The results of this study form a baseline for future studies to compare the visual ability of adolescents with VI attending mainstream schools.