The experience of a university-based low vision clinic.

An open low vision clinic has been in operation at University of Wales College of Cardiff, Department of Optometry for 5 years. This paper describes the demography and visual characteristics of 218 consecutively presenting patients. A detailed survey of the aids prescribed is conducted. A significant proportion of low vision patients required only simple aids (56.8%) and low magnification (71.6%). It is suggested that these patients could be assisted in an optometric practice. In addition, visual acuity, distance or near is not a good indicator of eventual visual performance with an LVA. Therefore, it was concluded that all patients having measurable form vision should receive a low vision assessment.