The Vision Rehabilitation Evidence-Based Review (VREBR) is a comprehensive evidence-based review of rehabilitation interventions and services for the blind and visually impaired.Designed as a systematic research synthesis, VREBR modules serve as an authoritative reference to unmet research needs—associated with a national consortium of vision researchers—and a compelling stimulus for partnerships among agencies with allied interests in vision health. Click to read our Knowledge Translation developments.

See related VREBR publications below

VREBR modules include:

    Module 1:Terminology, Demography, and Epidemiology of Low Vision

This module presents an overview of the terminology, demography, and epidemiology for vision loss and rehabilitation. The demographic and epidemiologic information contained within the module is captured from published scientific literature on low vision and blindness rehabilitation, and includes a range of published and unpublished sources. Module 1 introduces the goals and intentions for the VREBR project and describes the strategies for selection, evaluation, and interpretation of the research literature.

    Module 2: Low Vision Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

In developed countries, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over 70 years of age. Due to prevalence of this devastating disease, the creation of a module devoted to this topic seems timely and appropriate. The module covers the strength of evidence for the effectiveness of the following aspects of low vision rehabilitation (LVR) for individuals with AMD: assessment and evaluation, objective and subjective measures of visual function (clinical and quality of life measures, for example), and assistive devices and strategies such as low vision aids, environmental modifications, and training techniques.

    Module 3: Low Vision and Driving

Maintaining a driver’s license and continuing to drive, despite visual impairment is frequently a significant step toward retaining independent mobility and a good quality of life. This module presents a synthesis of the research evidence related to low vision and driving and attempts to address some of the inconsistencies and controversies surrounding licensing regulations and acceptable standards for the use of low vision aids while driving. This module also explores the complexity of conducting research on driving and vision loss.

   Module 4: Assistive Technologies for Low Vision and Blindness

The Assistive Technologies (AT) module presents the strongest evidence supporting the effectiveness of LVR optical and non-optical devices, training, and strategies. The module assesses the research literature on an individual’s performance with optical devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, filters and lenses, electronic vision enhancement systems (including CCTVs), O&M devices, techniques, and training, and adaptive (computer and Internet-based) technologies. In addition, LVR training methods (formal or informal; individual or group) and visual techniques are also reviewed.

    Module 5: Print Accessibility (Clear Print)

Multiple variables can affect the reading performance of individuals with low vision: size and type of fonts; presence or absence of serifs; contrast of text to page; letter thickness; interletter spacing; leading; and the medium on which text is printed. The Clear Print module reviews the existing research literature related to the legibility and readability of typefaces, standards or guidelines related to typeface design and legibility, and French language typeface characteristics for low vision readers of print copy. Literature related to the legibility of medication labelling is also considered. All types of visual impairment were included in the search criteria.

    Module 6: Quality of Life (forthcoming)

In LVR research settings, quality of life (QoL) instruments have been used to detect patient-reported perceptions of visual abilities and to assess visual functions in clinical settings. QoL measures are also used to determine overall psychological and emotional well-being. This module will present an in-depth synthesis of the research literature related to: the effectiveness of LVR interventions using QoL measures, the psychometric properties of QoL instruments, qualitative research, published conceptual frameworks that describe QoL in relation to low vision, and definitions of QoL outcomes in LVR research. The population criteria for this module include individuals with the most common, irremediable forms of visual impairment.

   Module 7: Effectiveness of Low Vision Rehabilitation for Neurological Visual Impairment (in progress)

Visual functions are required for mobility, binocular vision, depth perception, reading, language processing, and visual memory. Neurological vision impairment (vision loss caused by damage to the areas of the brain that are responsible for sight) in one or more of these visual capacities can lead to deficits in non-visual activities, such as cognition and motor control. Using the same systematic research synthesis model implemented with previous VREBR modules, the key areas of focus include the following leading causes of neurological vision loss: acquired brain injury (including traumatic brain injury, and cerebrovascular accidents such as stroke), multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

The principal collaborating institutions are the CNIB, the Lawson Health Research Institute (Aging, Rehabilitation & Geriatric Care Research Centre at Parkwood Hospital), the University of Western Ontario, the Ivey Eye Institute, the University of Waterloo and the University of Montreal.

   VREBR PUBLICATIONS

1.Jutai, J.W., Strong, J.G., Russell-Minda, E. (2008). Effectiveness of assistive technologies for low vision rehabilitation: A systematic review. Manuscript submitted for publication.

2.Strong, J.G., Jutai, J.W., Russell-Minda, E., & Evans, M. (2008). Driving and low vision: An evidence-based review of rehabilitation. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 102, 7, 410-419.

3.Strong, J.G., Jutai, J.W., Russell-Minda, E., & Evans, M. (2008). Driving and low vision: Validity of assessments for predicting driver performance. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 102, 6, 340-351.

4.Hooper, P.L., Jutai, J.W., Strong, J.G., & Russell-Minda, E. (2008) Age-related macular degeneration and low vision rehabilitation: a systematic review. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 43, 2, 180-187.

5.Russell-Minda, E., Jutai, J.W., Strong, J.G., Campbell, K.A., Gold, D., Pretty, L., et al. (2007). The legibility of typefaces for readers with low vision: a research review. Journal of Visual Impairment and
Blindness, 101, 7, 402-415.

How to Obtain Copies of the Modules

To request copies of the completed reports (modules) please visit our convienent ordering page located here, http://www.piads.ca/112/vrebr_order_form.asp . The reports can be sent in PDF format, Multiple PDF on CD(mailed to you), Regular mail, CD and Hardcopy. Custom orders also welcomed.

Contact Information Jeffrey W. Jutai PhD, CPsych, Professor Faculty of Health Sciences Bachelor of Health Sciences Program University of Ottawa 43 rue Templeton St., Salle/Room 109 Ottawa, Ontario CANADA K1N 6X1 Tél: 613-562-5800 ext.8218 Fax: 613-562-5632 Email: jjutai@uottawa.ca

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