The purpose of this study was to consider the practice of orthoptists internationally in care provision for post stroke visual impairment through an international survey. An online survey of 30 questions was circulated via the International Orthoptic Association and completed by 299 orthoptists from 16 countries. For vision screening / assessment, one third reported seeing stroke survivors within two weeks of stroke onset and 55% within one month. Patients were seen mostly in eye clinics rather than stroke units. Screening tools were used by 11% with validated assessments used by the majority. Suspicion of presence of vision problems was high at 87% and most frequent recognised symptoms were reading difficulty, visual field change, altered vision, blurred vision, diplopia and collisions. Most frequently recognised conditions included visual field loss, visual inattention, strabismus, ocular motility disorders and reduced visual acuity. Typical follow-up periods were up to three months. Orthoptists reported a high use of prisms, occlusion and refraction. Designated care pathway use was reported by 57% and information resources were provided by 86%. The survey highlights similarities in international practice for post stroke visual impairment but with clear recommendations for development of core outcome measures.
International orthoptics for stroke
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
International practice in care provision for post stroke visual impairment.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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