Abstract
Purpose :
The COVID-19 pandemic has been disruptive to daily life, including those living with low vision (LV). We conducted a retrospective chart review to understand how chief complaints(CC) of those presenting for low vision services have changed.
Methods :
A random subset of 121 charts from NECO Center for Eye Care LV Clinic between 2019 (group 1, pre-COVID-19, n=61) and 2020 (group 2, during COVID-19, n=60) were reviewed. Eligible charts included: those over 18 years, English-speaking, and without cognitive impairment. Group 1 patients were 19-96 years (mean 65, SD±23) with mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.95 logMAR (SD±0.73, Snellen equivalent 20/178), and mean contrast sensitivity (CS) of 1.03 logCS (SD±0.48). Group 2 patients were 18-98 years (mean 64, SD±21) with mean BCVA of 0.77 logMAR(SD±0.63, Snellen equivalent 20/117) and mean CS of 1.08 logCS (SD±0.48). CCs were categorized as: reading, driving, technology, general LV exam (i.e no specific complaint), mobility, and watching television. Employment status, onset of LV, prior technology use, and home support were also noted.
Results :
We found a significant difference between proportions of CCs reported in 2019 vs. 2020 (Cramer’s V=0.32, p=0.028). For group 1, top three CCs were reading(52%), general LV exam(34%), technology(15%). For group 2, the top three CCs were reading(43%), technology(27%), general LV exam(12%). There was no significant difference in age, BCVA, CS between groups.
The proportions of CCs were significantly different for those with prior technology use (Cramer’s V=0.42, p=0.001). Patients with prior technology use reported difficulties using technology at a greater frequency.
Employment status also influenced reported CCs (Cramer’s V=0.29, p=0.006). Reading was the top CC amongst retirees(64%) and technology amongst the employed(30%).
Logistic regression was performed to further explore predictors of technology CCs. Prior technology use was a significant predictor (OR=6.2; 95% CI, 2.0-19.2). Onset of LV, BCVA, home support, and gender were not significant predictors. There was a trend, with more technology related complaints in Group 2 (Cramer’s V=0.15, p=0.11).
Conclusions :
When exploring chief complaints in 2019 and 2020, we find that there may be a shift in LV patient needs. We note a trend of increasing technology related complaints in 2020, of which prior technology use was a significant predictor.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.