Experts' perspectives on the impact of visual impairment and comorbid mental disorders on functioning in essential life domains.

Background: Visual impairment (VI) with comorbid mental disorders (MDs) are expected to have a major impact on people's daily functioning, for which tailored support is needed. However, this has been barely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) determine the impact of VI and comorbid MDs on functioning in essential life domains, (2) gain insight into best-practices that are currently used to support this target group, and (3) determine strategies to optimize care in the future.

Improved intention, self-efficacy and social influence in the workspace may help low vision service workers to discuss depression and anxiety with visually impaired and blind adults.

Background: Depression and anxiety are common in visually impaired and blind adults, but often remain untreated in those who receive support from low vision service (LVS) organizations. This study aims to determine factors associated with discussing mental health by LVS workers.

Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey in one hundred LVS workers was performed.

Perspectives on Implementing the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 in Low-Vision Service Organizations to Screen for Depression and Anxiety.

Purpose: To describe the process of implementing a screening questionnaire for depression and anxiety, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), in low-vision service (LVS) organizations.

Methods: This study consisted of three parts: (1) a usability study combined with semistructured interviews, in which clients (n = 10) of LVS organizations expressed their preference for using the PHQ-4; (2) a feasibility study, in which the PHQ-4 was implemented on a small scale and its use was evaluated, involving health care providers (n = 6) and clients (n = 9); and (3) semistructured interviews to identify barriers and facilitators for implementing the PHQ-4 according to health care providers (n = 6) and managers (n = 4) of LVS organizations. Results were integrated into themes and linked to constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Barriers and facilitators to recognize and discuss depression and anxiety experienced by adults with vision impairment or blindness: a qualitative study.

Background: Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent, but often unrecognized in adults with vision impairment (VI) or blindness. The purpose of this study was to explore visually impaired and blind adults' views on facilitators and barriers in recognizing and discussing mental health problems.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews, based on the Integrated Model for Change, were conducted with 16 visually impaired or blind adults receiving support from three Dutch low vision service organizations.

Experiences with traumatic events, consequences and care among people with visual impairment and post-traumatic stress disorder: a qualitative study from The Netherlands.

Objective: Having a visual impairment is known to be associated with an increased vulnerability to (potentially) traumatic events. Little is known about how people with visual impairment experience and process such events. This qualitative study aimed to provide more insight into experiences with traumatic events, consequences of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related care among people with visual impairment and PTSD.

Rehabilitation of reading in older individuals with macular degeneration: a review of effective training programs.

Macular degeneration (MD) is the most common cause of visual impairment among older adults. It severely affects reading performance. People with MD have to rely on peripheral vision for reading.

A Dutch ICF version of the Activity Inventory: results from focus groups with visually impaired persons and experts.

Purpose: To develop a valid and reliable instrument to systematically investigate visual rehabilitation needs of visually impaired older adults, which is compatible with the "International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health" (ICF) structure: a new Dutch ICF version of the Activity Inventory (D-AI).

Methods: The original AI was translated, adjusted and expanded. After studying literature and investigating patient records, focus group discussions were conducted until the input was just confirmatory.