Visual impairment screening assessment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effectiveness of a novel vision screening tool utilised by the stroke multi-disciplinary team in detecting visual impairment
IRAS ID
210247
Contact name
Fiona Rowe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Visual impairment following stroke is common and estimated to affect two thirds of all stroke survivors. There is currently no standardised screening or procedure for referral. As a result, many patients who have visual problems go unrecognised, thus receiving no advice or management. Assessment of vision by Orthoptists has been shown to be effective in diagnosing visual impairment. However, the assessment of vision by the stroke team, consisting of professionals with no training in eye care, has been shown to be poor. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a vision screening tool that can be used by the stroke team for patients admitted to an acute stroke unit to improve their assessments of vision and subsequently compare it over a 1-year time period against a gold standard Orthoptist assessment. This project has been developed with full collaboration with stroke survivors who have visual impairment and targets a particular gap in clinical practice that patients have highlighted.
Information to be collected will include gender, date of birth, date of stroke onset, type of stroke, location of stroke and visual symptoms. The screening tests will include measurement of central and peripheral vision, eye alignment and movement, and visual perception. Stroke team and Orthoptist results will be directly compared for accuracy of detection of visual impairment. Analysis of mistakes in diagnosis will be also reported.
Use of the vision screening tool is expected to improve correct detection of visual problems leading to quicker referrals with fewer mistakes. This will allow quicker access to appropriate treatment of visual impairment and potential to preserve and save further loss of vision for patients. Our intention is to present and publish these results widely and offer the screening tool for free use by NHS professionals.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
16/NI/0125
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion