A Global Survey of Low Vision Service Provision

Abstract

PURPOSE: To conduct a global survey of low vision services to describe the needs, priorities, and barriers in provision and coverage. METHODS: Data were mainly derived from a survey and from some secondary sources. The survey was distributed to Vision 2020 contacts, government, and non-government organizations (NGOs) in 195 countries during 2006-2008. Themes in the survey were: epidemiology of low vision, policies on low vision, provision of services, human resources, barriers to service delivery, equipment availability, and monitoring and evaluation of service outcomes. Contradictory and/or incomplete data were returned for further clarification and verification. The Human Poverty Index was..