Impact of visual impairment on work participation from the perspectives of patients and professionals: a concept mapping study

Abstract

Purpose: Visual impairments (VI) substantially impact work participation, with persistently low employment rates despite re-integration programs and supportive legislation. This study explored factors influencing work participation among persons with VI. Method: Using concept mapping and purposive sampling, we gathered insights impacting work participation from patients with VI and professionals. These key stakeholders initially identified items (76 VI patients and 25 professionals), which were subsequently rated for importance and categorized into conceptually common themes (61 VI patients and 47 professionals). Results: The final concept map comprised 105 distinct vision-related items, grouped into 9 thematic clusters ranked by importance: personal competences and self-awareness; conditions for workplace adjustments; mobility/commuting and ICT; support and awareness working environment; organizations, regulations and expertise; personal development and social environment/network; professional support for work; physical workplace; task performance. Importance scores ranged from 3.6 to 4.3 on 5-point scale, indicating overall relevance. Differences emerged based on participant type, VI severity, and nationality. Conclusions: This study provides a consensus-based framework identifying key factors essential for understanding work participation in individuals with VI. Findings highlight the need for multi-level strategies, addressing individual, organizational and societal factors, to enhance sustainable employment through improved interventions, validated assessment tools, policies, and workplace adaptations.