Using Telerehabilitation and Sensors to Help People with Low Vision
Beacon Sensors and Telerehabilitation to Assess and Improve Use of Devices (BeST-AID) for Low Vision
NA · University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06107881
This study tests whether using online rehabilitation and special sensors can help people with low vision improve their quality of life better than traditional in-person care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 350 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles (other) |
| Locations | 9 sites (Fullerton, California and 8 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06107881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to compare telerehabilitation with traditional in-office care for individuals with low vision, focusing on enhancing their quality of life through the use of magnification devices and visual assistive mobile apps. The study addresses the growing need for low vision rehabilitation by overcoming barriers such as transportation and geographic limitations. Additionally, it explores the use of Bluetooth low energy beacon sensors to monitor device usage, potentially improving patient management by identifying when patients abandon their devices. Participants will receive follow-up training to ensure effective use of their new devices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with any level of vision loss who have recently received new magnification devices.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot attend scheduled visits or have difficulty understanding study procedures may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with low vision by providing accessible rehabilitation services.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using telerehabilitation for various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in low vision rehabilitation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults with any level of vision loss due to any ocular disease who are age 18 and older, and who have received new magnification device(s) for the first time (i.e., hand-held optical magnifiers, portable electronic video magnifiers, high near add powers of +4.00 or greater, visual assistive mobile apps for their smartphone/tablet, some stand magnifiers and CCTVs) from one of our participating low vision rehabilitation sites at the four academic centers and one private practice. Exclusion Criteria: * schedules not permitting participation in planned study visits (including planning to move far from their clinical provider's office within the first 4-months of the study (i.e., cannot attend in-office visits) or take extended vacation that would not allow them to complete study procedures during the first four months of the study period), * inability to understand study procedures or communicate responses to visual stimuli in a consistent manner (greater than mild cognitive impairment as per TICS), * substance abuse, * significant hearing loss (unable to hear communication by phone or via videoconferencing), * significant medical condition likely to limit participation or lifespan, * individuals who require other types of LVR training or intervention (e.g., psychosocial). * For Bluetooth low energy beacon sensors, exclusion would occur if their magnifier device has features that would not work in conjunction with the beacon sensors: (1) hands-free and do not have a place where the patient's hand is holding the device during use (therefore, they would not register a significant change in temperature), (2) no surface area of at least 1"x1" to which the beacon sensor could be attached without interfering with the device, or (3) use of visual assistive mobile apps only.
Where this trial is running
Fullerton, California and 8 other locations
- Southern Califonia College of Optometry — Fullerton, California, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Chan Family Optometry — Grass Valley, California, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute — Los Angeles, California, United States (RECRUITING)
- Frank Stein & Paul S. May Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation at The Eye Institute — San Francisco, California, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- See What You Miss Optometry — Santa Monica, California, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- New England College of Optometry — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Boston University Eye Associates, Inc. — Brockton, Massachusetts, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Mid-Michigan Eye Care — Midland, Michigan, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- University of Nebraska: Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation at the Truhlsen Eye Institute — Omaha, Nebraska, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ava K Bittner, OD, PhD — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: UCLA Study Coordinator
- Email: JessicaSLin@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-794-5602
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Low Vision, Low Vision Aids