Ability to Read Medication Labels Improved by Participation in a Low Vision Rehabilitation Program (Research Report) (Report‪)‬

Demographic projections indicate that the population of the Western world is aging, and evidence suggests an increase in the incidence of conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), that produce visual impairments and result in low vision (Maberley et al., 2006). It is expected that in the United States and Canada, the annual number of new cases of visual impairment will double that of the current rate by 2025 (Massof, 2002). In light of these expected demographic changes and the expected increase in the demand for services, it is critical to assess low vision rehabilitation outcomes for interventions on various tasks that are commonly performed in activities of daily living. Data in this regard have been incomplete and sketchy. Low vision rehabilitation interventions include prescription and training in the use of low vision devices, such as magnifiers, telescopes, selective transmission lenses, electronic devices, and computers; training in skills, such as reading, writing, driving, orientation and mobility, and other activities of daily living; and counseling and social support (Markowitz, 2006). In addition, one can analyze the impact of low vision rehabilitation interventions on selected tasks that are widely performed by people with low vision. Reading labels on prescription medicine bottles is an everyday task that virtually all persons attempt to perform accurately. There have been no reports in the literature on the impact of low vision rehabilitation interventions on this specific task. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of low vision rehabilitation interventions on the ability of individuals with low vision to read standard labels on medication packages.