Prevalence, Causes and Demographic Profile of Patients Seeking a Visual Impairment Certificate

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.