Beacon Sensors and Telerehabilitation to Assess and Improve Use of Devices (BeST-AID) for Low Vision

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · Oct 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The BeST-AID trial is studying how effective online rehabilitation (telerehabilitation) is compared to in-person visits for helping adults with low vision learn to use new magnification devices and visual assistive apps. The goal is to improve their daily lives by making it easier for them to read and complete other important tasks. This is especially important as more people experience low vision and may struggle to access care due to transportation or distance. The trial will also use special sensors to track how often participants use their devices, helping to ensure they get the support they need.

To participate in this study, individuals must be 18 years or older and have recently received new magnification devices or apps to help with their vision loss. However, those with certain conditions, such as significant cognitive impairment or hearing loss, may not be eligible. Participants can expect to engage in training sessions, either online or in-person, to learn how to use their devices effectively. This trial aims to find better ways to support people with low vision and improve their quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • adults with any level of vision loss due to any ocular disease who are age 18 and older, and who have received new magnification device(s) for the first time (i.e., hand-held optical magnifiers, portable electronic video magnifiers, high near add powers of +4.00 or greater, visual assistive mobile apps for their smartphone/tablet, some stand magnifiers and CCTVs) from one of our participating low vision rehabilitation sites at the four academic centers and one private practice.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • schedules not permitting participation in planned study visits (including planning to move far from their clinical provider's office within the first 4-months of the study (i.e., cannot attend in-office visits) or take extended vacation that would not allow them to complete study procedures during the first four months of the study period),
• • inability to understand study procedures or communicate responses to visual stimuli in a consistent manner (greater than mild cognitive impairment as per TICS),
• • substance abuse,
• • significant hearing loss (unable to hear communication by phone or via videoconferencing),
• • significant medical condition likely to limit participation or lifespan,
• • individuals who require other types of LVR training or intervention (e.g., psychosocial).
• • For Bluetooth low energy beacon sensors, exclusion would occur if their magnifier device has features that would not work in conjunction with the beacon sensors: (1) hands-free and do not have a place where the patient's hand is holding the device during use (therefore, they would not register a significant change in temperature), (2) no surface area of at least 1"x1" to which the beacon sensor could be attached without interfering with the device, or (3) use of visual assistive mobile apps only.