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Effectiveness of low vision devices in a special education school. [Keberkesanan penggunaan alat bantuan penglihatan terhad]

Rokiah Omar, Knight VF, Zainora Mohammed

Sains Malaysiana, 2009;38.

The purpose of this study is to determine the visual status and effectiveness of low vision devices among visually impaired school children. One hundred and thirteen students from the special education schools took part in this study. Distance and near visual acuity were measured both with and without low vision devices. Students needing further assessment were referred to the Low Vision Clinic (LVC) Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. On presentation, 31% of the students were catagorised as low vision with distance acuity between 6/18 and 6/95 whereas 67% were blind. 2% were found to have distance acuity better than 6/18. The range of near visual acuity of these students was between N4 and N64. Low vision devices such as hand held magnifier, stand magnifier and telescope, were owned by only 17% of low vision students. This study showed that 85% of the students that were referred to the LVC benefited from low vision devices. Access to visual examinations and eye care for students with needs to be provided so that these students can be identified early and suitable low vision devices prescribed. This study emphasises the importance of the role played by parents, teachers and optometrists in the management of vision impairment in school children so that their visual impairment can be rehabilitated effectively.
Keywords: Low vision assessment; low vision devices

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low*
Fulltext Profile of low vision children in the special education schools in Malaysia

Omar R, Mohammed Z, Knight VF, Basrul MH

Med J Malaysia, 2009 Dec;64(4):289-93.
PMID: 20954552

This study looked at the causes of vision loss, levels of distance, near vision and the use of low vision devices (LVDs) in children studying at special schools in Malaysia. A total of 139 children from two special education schools took part. Visual acuity was measured with and without LVDs. Those who required further assessment were referred to Low Vision Clinic. Near visual acuity in 71 children ranged from N4 to N64. Sixty eight children could not read the N64 chart or they were totally blind. Only eight students were using LVDs before intervention. Seventy one children were referred for low vision assessment and 48 were found to benefit from the LVDs prescribed. The major cause of visual impairment was cataract (17%). Hand held magnifier was the most preferred LVD. Majority of the children attending the blind schools had residual vision but did not have LVDs. LVDs are able to significantly improve near visual acuity and hence there is a need to prescribe and train the children to use the LVDs.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/etiology; Vision, Low/epidemiology*
Effects of annealing temperature on the optical properties and device performance of Ag / n-Si / CuPc / Ag solar cell prepared via spin coating method

Hanashriah Hassan, Noor Baa'yah Ibrahim, Zahari Ibarahim

Sains Malaysiana, 2010;39.

Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin films have been prepared using a simple spin coating method. The films were annealed at 5 different temperatures (323, 373, 473, 523 and 573 K) for one hour in air. Optical properties study using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed that in the range of wavelength of 300-800 nm, all of the films have identical absorption coefficient patterns and there was no systematic changes with respect to annealing temperature. The film annealed at 373 K showed the highest absorbance while the lowest absorbance was shown by the film annealed at 323 K. The results showed that the optical band gaps depended on the temperature. The film annealed at 373 K has the lowest optical energy gap. Using the five annealed films, solar cell with the configuration of Ag / n-Si / CuPc / Ag were fabricated. Under the 50 W/cm2 light illumination, the current voltage measurements at room temperature were carried out on the device. The device which consists of film annealed at 373 K exhibited the best photovoltaic characteristics. The different annealing temperature also affect the photovoltaic behavior of the devices in a non-systematic way.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Fulltext Mental health state and quality of life questionnaire in low vision assessment: a case report

Omar R, Rahman MH, Knight VF, Mustaphal M, Mohammed Z

BMC Res Notes, 2014;7:667.
PMID: 25245590 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-667

BACKGROUND: Vision impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy, is well known and low vision rehabilitation is always recommended. In this report, the importance of objective measure of mental health and quality of life screening in diabetic retinopathy low-vision assessment is discussed.
CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 43-year-old Asian female who has mild vision impairment due to tractional retinal detachment secondary to diabetic retinopathy and how mental health screening and quality of life screening during low vision rehabilitation can improve in the management of this patient.
CONCLUSION: Although vision impairment was mild, the psychological impact was enormous and affected her quality of life substantially. This case report illustrates that recognition of the mental health and quality of life impact on visual impairment is critical to the rehabilitation management of low vision patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/physiopathology*
Fulltext Low vision rehabilitation and ocular problems among industrial workers in a developing country

Omar R, Knight VF, Aziz Mohammed MA

Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):27-33.
PMID: 26425302 MyJurnal

Work-related ocular injuries and illnesses were among the major causes of job absenteeism. This study was conducted to determine if low vision rehabilitation was provided following work-related ocular problems among industrial workers in a developing country. This was a retrospective analysis of case records.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Prevalence of refractive error in malay primary school children in suburban area of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Hashim SE, Tan HK, Wan-Hazabbah WH, Ibrahim M

Ann Acad Med Singap, 2008 Nov;37(11):940-6.
PMID: 19082201

INTRODUCTION: Refractive error remains one of the primary causes of visual impairment in children worldwide, and the prevalence of refractive error varies widely. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of refractive error and study the possible associated factors inducing refractive error among primary school children of Malay ethnicity in the suburban area of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study was performed from January to July 2006 by random selection on Standard 1 to Standard 6 students of 10 primary schools in the Kota Bharu district. Visual acuity assessment was measured using logMAR ETDRS chart. Positive predictive value of uncorrected visual acuity equal or worse than 20/40, was used as a cut-off point for further evaluation by automated refraction and retinoscopic refraction.
RESULTS: A total of 840 students were enumerated but only 705 were examined. The prevalence of uncorrected visual impairment was seen in 54 (7.7%) children. The main cause of the uncorrected visual impairment was refractive error which contributed to 90.7% of the total, and with 7.0% prevalence for the studied population. Myopia is the most common type of refractive error among children aged 6 to 12 years with prevalence of 5.4%, followed by hyperopia at 1.0% and astigmatism at 0.6%. A significant positive correlation was noted between myopia development with increasing age (P <0.005), more hours spent on reading books (P <0.005) and background history of siblings with glasses (P <0.005) and whose parents are of higher educational level (P <0.005). Malays in suburban Kelantan (5.4%) have the lowest prevalence of myopia compared with Malays in the metropolitan cities of Kuala Lumpur (9.2%) and Singapore (22.1%).
CONCLUSION: The ethnicity-specific prevalence rate of myopia was the lowest among Malays in Kota Bharu, followed by Kuala Lumpur, and is the highest among Singaporean Malays. Better socio-economic factors could have contributed to higher myopia rates in the cities, since the genetic background of these ethnic Malays are similar.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/etiology; Vision, Low/epidemiology; Vision, Low/physiopathology
Fulltext Sudden visual loss in acute leukaemia

Tengku Kamalden, T.A., Nurliza, K., Haris, A.R.

JUMMEC, 2008;11(1):30-32.
MyJurnal

The presenting signs of acute leukaemia occur as a result of bone marrow failure and organ infiltration. Increased bleeding tendencies are seen on the skin, gums and mucosal lining. Bleeding in the posterior segment of the eye, namely the retina and vitreous, may occur, but do not usually cause any visual disturbances. This case demonstrates visual loss as a result of premacular subhyaloid haemorrhage in acute leukaemia.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Fulltext Isu dan cabaran pelajar kurang upaya penglihatan di institusi pengajian tinggi

Raja Nur Fakhriah Raja Zainal B, Aizan Sofia A

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2018;32:131-145.

Education is one of the most important aspects for every individual including people with visual impairments. Visually impaired students also have the right to a good educational opportunity to higher education. In this regard, this article explores the issues and challenges of visually impaired students in higher learning institution. This study uses a full qualitative approach, a case study in the Klang Valley. In-depth interviews were used in data collection involving 5 students with visual impairment: four males and one female. The findings showed that among the major issues faced by visually impaired students pursuing higher education in tertiary institution were self-esteem, financial and public stigma. In addition, visually impaired students also faced challenges in accessibility, peer-to-peer acceptance and difficulties in learning at the university. In conclusion, this study emphasises on issues and challenges often faced by students with visual impairments at higher learning institution so that appropriate supports and facilities can be effectively provided by the university.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Independent impact of area-level socioeconomic measures on visual impairment

Zheng Y, Lamoureux E, Finkelstein E, Wu R, Lavanya R, Chua D, et al.

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2011;52(12):8799-805.
PMID: 21969296 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-7700

It is known that a person's socioeconomic status (SES; individual-level SES) is closely correlated with his or her degree of visual impairment. Whether there is an independent relationship between area-level measures of SES (e.g., living in a lower SES environment) and visual impairment is unclear. This study describes the associations of area-level SES with visual impairment.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/diagnosis*; Vision, Low/epidemiology*
Prevalence and causes of functional low vision in school-age children: results from standardized population surveys in Asia, Africa, and Latin America

Gilbert CE, Ellwein LB, Refractive Error Study in Children Study Group

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2008 Mar;49(3):877-81.
PMID: 18326706 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.07-0973

Data on the prevalence and causes of functional low vision (FLV) in adults and children are lacking but are important for planning low-vision services. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and causes of FLV among children recruited in eight population-based prevalence surveys of visual impairment and refractive error from six countries (India [2 locations]; China [2 locations]; Malaysia, Chile, Nepal, and South Africa).

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/etiology*; Vision, Low/epidemiology*
Severity of visual impairment and depression among elderly Malaysians

Noran NH, Izzuna MG, Bulgiba AM, Mimiwati Z, Ayu SM

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2009 Jan;21(1):43-50.
PMID: 19124335 DOI: 10.1177/1010539508327353

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between severity of visual impairment and depression among elderly Malaysians attending an eye clinic.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The study population included patients, aged>or=60 years who attended the Eye Clinic in University Malaya Medical Centre. Exposure measurement was based on ophthalmologic examinations by an ophthalmologist. Data on outcome were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale.
RESULTS: After adjusting for important confounders, severity of visual impairment either having low vision or blind were independent risk factors of depression. The odds of developing depression among elderly with low vision were 2 times more than those with normal vision, and elderly who were blind had almost 5 times the odds to be depressed compared with those having normal vision.
CONCLUSION: Findings from this study suggest a positive relationship between the severity of visual impairment and depression among elderly Malaysians.
Study site: Eye Clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Device, Questionnaire & Scale: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/ethnology; Vision, Low/psychology*
Prevalence of blindness and low vision in Malaysian population: results from the National Eye Survey 1996

Zainal M, Ismail SM, Ropilah AR, Elias H, Arumugam G, Alias D, et al.

Br J Ophthalmol, 2002 Sep;86(9):951-6.
PMID: 12185113

BACKGROUND: A national eye survey was conducted in 1996 to determine the prevalence of blindness and low vision and their major causes among the Malaysian population of all ages.
METHODS: A stratified two stage cluster sampling design was used to randomly select primary and secondary sampling units. Interviews, visual acuity tests, and eye examinations on all individuals in the sampled households were performed. Estimates were weighted by factors adjusting for selection probability, non-response, and sampling coverage.
RESULTS: The overall response rate was 69% (that is, living quarters response rate was 72.8% and household response rate was 95.1%). The age adjusted prevalence of bilateral blindness and low vision was 0.29% (95% CI 0.19 to 0.39%), and 2.44% (95% CI 2.18 to 2.69%) respectively. Females had a higher age adjusted prevalence of low vision compared to males. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of bilateral low vision and blindness among the four ethnic groups, and urban and rural residents. Cataract was the leading cause of blindness (39%) followed by retinal diseases (24%). Uncorrected refractive errors (48%) and cataract (36%) were the major causes of low vision.
CONCLUSION: Malaysia has blindness and visual impairment rates that are comparable with other countries in the South East Asia region. However, cataract and uncorrected refractive errors, though readily treatable, are still the leading causes of blindness, suggesting the need for an evaluation on accessibility and availability of eye care services and barriers to eye care utilisation in the country.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/etiology; Vision, Low/epidemiology*
Fulltext Full thickness macular hole: Early intervention is an important factor in visual prognosis

Ng HK, Yaakub A, Ong LB

Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):42-8.
PMID: 26425305 MyJurnal

Full thickness macular hole is an eye disease, which can cause permanent visual impairment. Current advancement in vitreoretinal surgery has high success rates in repairing them, leading to a significant visual improvement, especially if patient presents early. In this article, three cases of idiopathic full thickness macular hole with different visual outcomes have been presented. All cases were referred by the primary care practitioners and had undergone macular hole surgery with the same vitreoretinal surgeon. The visual outcome was best in the patient who had the earliest presentation and referral. Early detection and referral of these patients is vital so that early surgical intervention can be carried out to improve their vision.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Impact of glaucoma severity and laterality on vision-specific functioning: the Singapore Malay eye study

Chan EW, Chiang PP, Wong TY, Saw SM, Loon SC, Aung T, et al.

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2013 Feb;54(2):1169-75.
PMID: 23341009 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-10258

We determined the impact of glaucoma severity and laterality on vision-specific functioning (VF) in an Asian population.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/diagnosis; Vision, Low/ethnology; Vision, Low/physiopathology
Fulltext The status of Malaysian school children’s visual acuity from year 1990 to 2017

Saidatul Norbaya Buang, Abdul Shukor Salha, Marhaida Mahmood, Noor Haire Sumarlie Nordin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(104):100-100.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Refractive error is the most common cause of visual impairment among the school children. The visual acuity screening has long been administered through the school health service in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to examine the status of refractive error in the school health screening from year 1990 to 2017. Methods: Every year an average of 1.2 million students were screened for refractive errors through school health service. Stu-dents with visual acuity reading of 6/9 or worst based on 6-meter Snellen chart ware referred for confirmation of refractive error. Secondary data on school visual acuity screening from the Health Informatics for the period of 1990 to 2017 were used to describe the changing pattern of refractive errors. Results: It was observed that the prevalent of suspected refractive errors amongst the Standard 1 student increased from 7 per 1,000 students examined in 1990 to 44.4 per 1,000 students in the 2000 and further increased to 74 per 1,000 students before slow decline to 55 per 1,000 students from year 2015 to 2017. A higher level of detection was observed for students in standard 6 and form 3 between the period of 1990 to 2009 (78/1,000 and 65/1,000 respectively) and further decline thereafter to lowest level in 2017 (33/1,000 to 21.5/1,000 respectively). Conclusion: The Standard 1 students in the 21st century have higher rate of suspected refractive errors compared to their counterpart that lived in the 20th century. Community awareness program need to be introduce for early detection of visual acuity problem.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Fulltext Oral hygiene practices among the visually impaired adolescents

Azrina, A.N., Norzuliza, G., R. Saub, R.

Ann Dent, 2007;14(1):1-6.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study was to gather information on the oral hygiene behaviour among the visually impaired adolescents. Interview and observation methods were used to collect data. A total of 114 visually impaired adolescents were interviewed and 10 of the interviewees were selected for observation on the actual oral hygiene practices. The mean age of the sample was 16 years old. The sample comprised of 53.5% female, majority were Malays (86.8%) and most of them were from the lower income group. Fifty four percent of the sample had low vision and 45.6% were blind. All of the participants reported that they brushed their teeth daily and most of them brushed twice a day or more. Flossing (6.1%) was not common practice among this group. It was observed that they encountered some difficulties, especially when putting the toothpaste on the toothbrush and also the way that they brushed their teeth could cause detrimental effect to the oral cavity. Thus, they need to be taught on proper oral hygiene care so that they can practice safe oral hygiene care and maintain their own oral health.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Fulltext Review of elderly driver visual perception simulation system for vehicle design

Ghazilla, R. A. R., Yap, H. J.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):113-120.
MyJurnal

The number of people above 60 years of age will increases due to the growth of the population in the first half of the 21st century, particularly in Malaysia. This has led to the growing number of older drivers which is often unavoidable as driving is a necessary task that not only achieves mobility but also shows a sign of independence and improves self-esteem, which are essential towards effecting the lifestyle. This paper briefly looks at common elderly related visual impairment, reviews design approaches and tools that tackle or include these issues in the design process and further outlines new research needs. It is the intention of this paper to steer the research direction of the development of future design approach and tools that would enhance the capabilities of designers to be well prepared to cater for inclusive design for the elderly, more specifically for visual impairments issues.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Fulltext The causes of low vision and pattern of prescribing at UKM low vision clinic

Rokiah Omar, Knight, Victor Feizal, Zainora Mohammed

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2008;6(2):55-64.
MyJurnal

When medical and surgical intervention cannot alleviate all of the impairments resulting from diseases of the eye, visual rehabilitation can help reduce the disability and increase the quality of life. Data from 169 patients seen at the UKM Low Vision Clinic (UKM LVC) over the past 2 years were examined and analysed. The age ranged from 6 to 87 years of age. The main cause of ocular pathological categories was conduction (63.9%), media (24.9%) and congenital (11.2%) related problems. The main causes of low vision at UKM LVC were congenital cataract, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. 84% of these patients received low vision devices to improve their near or/and distance vision. The most common optical devices dispensed at UKM LVC were near high addition spectacle, hand magnifiers and stand magnifiers. Medical, vision care and rehabilitation professionals working together can offer a comprehensive treatment plan for the visually impaired, offering these patients the very best services to increase their quality of life.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Fulltext Comparison of refractive error and visual impairment between Native Iban and Malay in a formal government school vision loss prevention programme

Bakar NF, Chen AH, Noor AR, Goh PP

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):48-55.
PMID: 22973137 MyJurnal

The epidemiological study of vision problems is important for developing national strategies for the prevention of visual impairment. There was a lack of information regarding vision problems among school children in East Malaysia. The purpose of this study was to compare the refractive errors and degrees of visual impairment between Native Iban and Malay school children who participated in a formal government vision loss prevention programme conducted in a rural area of Betong Division, Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low
Fulltext Childhood blindness and severe visual impairment in Malaysia: a nationwide study

Patel DK, Tajunisah I, Gilbert C, Subrayan V

Eye (Lond), 2011 Apr;25(4):436-42.
PMID: 21350565 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2011.19

To determine the causes of childhood blindness and severe visual impairment (BL/SVI) in schools for the blind in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Vision, Low/etiology*

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