Effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation on visual function and quality of life in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review.

AIM: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation on visual outcomes and quality of life in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

DATA SOURCES: Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched from inception to May 2025. Searches were restricted to English-language publications.

REVIEW

METHODS

Titles and abstracts were screened in Covidence, with data extraction performed independently by two reviewers and disagreements resolved by consensus. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools for quasi-experimental and cross-sectional designs. Due to heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively following the SWiM (Synthesis Without Meta-analysis) framework.

RESULTS

From 48,601 records, only three studies met the inclusion criteria, underscoring a critical evidence gap. All reported improvements in visual outcomes with optical devices included enhanced distance and near acuity, faster reading speeds, and fewer reading errors. One study documented significant quality-of-life gains, particularly in social functioning, with an improvement of 76.6% on the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). Another study highlighted that many students previously enrolled in schools for the blind retained functional vision following intervention, reflecting both the efficacy of rehabilitation and the unmet need for accessible services.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence suggests low vision rehabilitation with optical devices may improve visual function and social participation-related quality of life in SSA. Despite the scarcity of studies and limited evidence base, these preliminary findings highlight the potential value of rehabilitation services in advancing education, independence, and psychosocial well-being in the region.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024496027.