Factors affecting occupational participation of people with low vision: a scoping review

Background: Adults with low vision can experience significant restrictions in occupational participation. For occupational therapists to effectively intervene, an understanding of what causes these restrictions is imperative.... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Adults with low vision can experience significant restrictions in occupational participation. For occupational therapists to effectively intervene, an understanding of what causes these restrictions is imperative. Therefore, this research examined literature about the factors that enable or limit occupational performance of adults with low vision.

Method:
A scoping review (Pham et al 2014) was undertaken using search terms relating to visual impairment, lifestyle and wellbeing. The title and abstract of 2268 articles were reviewed resulting in 99 papers. Full texts were reviewed and data pertaining to occupational performance were themed.

Results:
Reasons for lower participation are multifaceted and include: the co-existence of depressive symptoms; feelings of social stigma and isolation; low self-esteem; the absence of social networks, and poor infrastructure (such as public transport). Several studies highlighted that those with low vision were more restricted than those with other age-related disability: the level of visual impairment itself does not predict levels of activity: presence of low vision rather than the extent of vision loss influence occupational performance.

Conclusion:
Many of the factors that influence occupational performance for people with low vision could be moderated through occupational therapy intervention and therefore there is a clear role for the profession to promote occupational participation of people with low vision.

Application to Practice:
Through awareness of the factors that can limit occupational participation, intervention can be developed to include social support and engagement, psychological support, physical activity, functional activities and to advocate for more accessible environments.