Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Date Submitted: Nov 12, 2025
Date Accepted: Feb 10, 2026
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Barriers to the Adoption of Digital, Smart, and Electronic Low Vision Aids Among Eye-Care Professionals in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Digital, smart, and electronic low vision aids (ELVAs) have transformed visual rehabilitation by improving independence and daily tasks among people with visual impairment. However, adoption of such technology remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Jordan, where access, affordability, and training resources are constrained.
Objective:
To identify and analyze the barriers that hinder the adoption of ELVAs among eye care professionals in Jordan.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 eye-care professionals working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics across Jordan. Participants completed a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, awareness, training, institutional support, and perceived barriers. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while chi-square and independent-sample t tests explored group differences. Multiple logistic regression identified predictors of ELVA adoption. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's a. Significance was set at p<0.05
Results:
Among 270 participants (58% optometrists, 29% ophthalmologists, 13% low vision specialists), the mean age was 36±8 years and mean professional experience 12±6 years. Only 42% reported current use or recommendation of ELVAs. The most frequently cited barriers were high device cost (79%), lack of training (68%), limited institutional support (64%), and low patient awareness (57%). Regression analysis revealed that greater training hours (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.11, p=0.003), stronger institutional support (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10-1.85, p=0.008), and higher awareness scores (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.66, p=0.027) were significant predictors of adoption, whereas high cost remained a negative predictor (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.84, p=0.011).
Conclusions:
Limited exposure, cost constraints, and institutional barriers hinder the widespread integration of ELVAs in Jordan. Training programs and collaborative policies are essential to bridge these gaps and promote equitable access to digital rehabilitation technology.
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