Using Telerehabilitation and Sensors to Help People with Low Vision

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• UCLA Stein Eye Institute
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
• Southern Califonia College of Optometry
  Fullerton, California, United States Not yet recruiting
• Chan Family Optometry
  Grass Valley, California, United States Not yet 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

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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.