Smartphone applications as assistive technology for the visually impaired individuals: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Using smartphone-accessible applications among visually challenged people can enhance independence management of many daily activities.

PURPOSE: To assess the use of accessible applications among patients with visual disabilities (PVDs) attending a vision rehabilitation clinic of a tertiary eye center.

METHODS

PVDs, aged 18 years and above, were recruited consecutively in the clinic from January to March 2023. Information on the use of smartphones and apps was collected using semi-structured interviews. Apps were categorized into special (accessible) and mainstream. Visual acuities (VAs), both distance and near, were also recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 115 PVDs, with a mean age of 26.3 years (SD + 12.8), were interviewed. Among them, 28 respondents (24.6%) were dependent on family members for daily activities solutions. Of the 98 mobile users, 87 (88.8%) used smartphones, and 35 (40.2%) reported using one or more special apps. While InstaReader (20%) and KiBo (16%) were the most used apps by participants with VA <1/60 blindness, Visor app was used by 14.7% participants with VA <6/18 to ≥1/60. Communication, reading, setting reminders, and entertainment were the primary activities performed with special apps. Multivariable analysis showed that participants with a higher education (OR = 15.57; 15.1 for graduate and above, P ≤ 0.05) and being unmarried (OR = 9.92, P = 0.01) were predictors for the use of special apps.

CONCLUSION

Many individuals with visual impairment own a smartphone but do not use special applications for their daily solutions despite evidence of their benefits. Promoting use of such special apps is essential to enhance their independence and daily functioning.