Patients Seeking a Visual Impairment Certificate

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Demographic Profiles; Impairment Certificates; Visual Impairment

• Registration Number: NCT06900855
• Lead Sponsor: Assiut University

Brief Summary

This study investigates the prevalence, causes, and demographic characteristics of patients seeking visual impairment certificates at Assiut Ophthalmology Hospital. Using a prospective cross-sectional design, it aims to identify the magnitude and nature of visual impairment in this population by analyzing clinical data, performing comprehensive eye examinations, and utilizing advanced diagnostic tools.

Detailed Description

The study is designed to explore the prevalence, underlying causes, and demographic profiles of patients requesting visual impairment certificates at Assiut Ophthalmology Hospital. It employs a prospective cross-sectional approach, recruiting patients from ophthalmology outpatient clinics who meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of blindness. Blindness is defined as having best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) of 3/60 or less in the better eye or a visual field restricted to 10° or less in the widest diameter of vision.

Eligible participants undergo comprehensive eye examinations, including visual acuity measurement using Snellen charts, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, and automated perimetry for visual field assessment. Advanced investigations such as OCT macula imaging, VEP (visual evoked potential), ERG (electroretinography), ultrasound, and fundus photography are performed to identify the causes of visual impairment. Demographic data-such as age, sex, marital status, occupation, socioeconomic status, education level-and systemic medical history are collected to assess contributing factors.

The sample size was calculated using Epi-info software with a confidence level of 95% and confidence limits of 5%, estimating a minimum of 383 cases. By analyzing clinical findings alongside demographic characteristics, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the magnitude and nature of visual impairment in this specific population. This information could help inform public health strategies and improve services for visually impaired individuals.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-22
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-22
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-28
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-28
• Study Start: 2025-05-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-12-30
• Study Completion: 2026-08-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 383

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients requesting visual impairment certificate at Assiut ophthalmology hospital having all investigations Visual field, OCT macula, VEP, ERG, US, Fundus photography Werepatients who fulfilled WHO's definition of blindness. The blind patients according to WHO's,were defined as patients having best corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) of 3/60 or less in the better eye or a visual field restricted to 10 or less in the widest diameter of vision.

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients unwilling to participate in the study Incomplete or missing investigations

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
BCVA	1 month	BCVA of 3/60 or less in the better eye visual field restricted to 10 or less in the widest diameter of vision.