Indication and training protocols to provide “vision” aids

Introduction. Support for visually impaired or blind people (VIPs) can be a selection out of a wide range of opportunities: optical magnifiers, CCTV magnifiers, guide dogs, Braille display, night vision goggles, GPS-based navigation systems, indoor navigation systems, orientation and route instructions, etcetera. Primarily a category of support has to selected that meets the needs of the VIP. Within this category one has to select a device that fits with the physical and mental condition of the VIP. These selection steps are part of the indication protocol. The next step is to familiarize the VIP with to use the aid. We called this familiarization schedule the training protocol. Depending on the complexity of the support a more or less extended protocol is needed. During and after completion of the execution of these protocols we evaluated the opportunities of the use of the vision aid with the client to assures that he/she gets a realistic expectation of the usefulness of the device. Methods. We applied this schedule of indication protocol and training protocol at various types of vision aids: night vision aids1,2 Results. Relatively simple were the protocols to choose and train the use of a night vision aid: patient assessment had to confirm the night blindness and the choice of aids was limited to one type of night vision goggles and two types of light torches. The training consisted of a first session to explain the function of the device and the instruction to use the device at least every night for some time during the training period. Once a week a occupational therapist evaluated the opportunities and challenges that were experienced by the VIP, and if needed, tried to solve encountered problems. At the start and at the end the use of the device was evaluated in performance and in frequency and importance in daily use. More complex were the protocols to master the use of a bioptic telescope for driving and the use of a GPS navigation device. Conclusion. The two-step protocol to prescribe a vision aid, including pre- and post-evaluation of the performance with and practical use of the device for the client assures that the client gets a realistic expectation of the usefulness of the device.