An analysis of the impact of visual impairment on activities of daily living and vision-related quality of life in a visually impaired adult population

Summary

The present study aims to investigate the impact of visual impairment on activities of daily living and Vision-Related Quality of Life (VR-QoL) in a sample of adults with visual impairment who are living in the United Kingdom. A 37-question survey evaluating the nutritional status and the activities of daily living, cooking and shopping, was disseminated to adults with visual impairment who were 18 years and older. VR-QoL was also assessed using the validated, Questionnaire of Vision-Related Quality of Life Measure (VCM1). The results of this study support these findings, the activities of daily living – shopping, online and in store, and cooking – are major obstacles for people with visually impairment with many being unable to do so or requiring support from family members. This study has found accessibility and support for people with visual impairment living in the United Kingdom is lacking. It is the responsibility and duty of society to support people living with visual impairment or other disabilities rather than blaming them for not ‘integrating’.