JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising approach for delivering low vision rehabilitation services remotely; however, evidence regarding its usability, patient adherence, and effectiveness remains limited.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate usability and patient adherence to a low vision telerehabilitation program. Secondary objectives were to assess its effectiveness and clinical benefits.

Methods:

Forty-four visually impaired participants with various ocular pathologies were enrolled from five low vision rehabilitation centers. The telerehabilitation software was individually configured for each participant. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed before and after completion of the rehabilitation program. Moreover, usability was assessed using the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ), administered after completion of the telerehabilitation sessions.

Results:

The overall mean PSSUQ score was 1.85 (SD = 0.96), indicating high perceived usability. Mean scores for System Usefulness, Information Quality, and Interface Quality were 1.45 (SD = 0.87), 1.77 (SD = 1.50), and 2.01 (SD = 1.32), respectively. High adherence was observed, with 41 participants completing the prescribed exercises. The mean overall completion rate was 97.2% (SD = 5.2). Statistically significant improvements were found in binocular reading acuity and contrast sensitivity after training (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

Both participants and low vision therapists reported positive evaluations regarding the usability and acceptability of the telerehabilitation program. The findings suggest that low vision telerehabilitation is feasible and effective, with significant improvements in visual performance, particularly in reading acuity and contrast sensitivity.