Evaluating the effectiveness of an established community-based eccentric viewing rehabilitation training model—the evaluation study

Abstract

PURPOSE. This study evaluated the community-based eccentric viewing (EV) training offered across the United Kingdom by the Macular Society. Volunteer trainers deliver free one-to-one training, usually in learners’ homes. They also share information about lighting, magnification, social support, and low-vision technology. METHODS. The audio-recorded reading performance of learners was compared before and after training. Telephone questionnaires were used to assess life satisfaction, amount of reading performed, and health-and vision-related quality of life. Learners were also interviewed to obtain their subjective opinions. RESULTS. A total of 121 learners completed all stages of the study. There was no significant change in maximum reading speed. A statistically significant (P < 0.001) but small improvement in both critical print size and threshold print size was found, but frequency and duration of reading did not increase. There was a borderline significant (P = 0.022) increase in ‘‘life satisfaction’’ for the learners, but a highly significant (P < 0.001) decrease in their ‘‘positive affect.’’ There was no change in health-or vision-related quality of life, or in the difficulty experienced in performing everyday tasks. However, according to learner interviews, 72% felt they had achieved a positive outcome from the training, and 75% felt they had received helpful advice in addition to the EV training. CONCLUSIONS. The lack of improvement of reading speed and modest improvement in threshold print size should be interpreted in the context of the unique features of this EV program, since many learners who would seem to have limited scope for improvement still undertake the training.