The impact of low vision on activities, participation, and goals among older adults: a scoping review

Purpose Participation is a key outcome of rehabilitation. However, no reviews have investigated the impact of low vision on the activities, participation, and goals of older adults. This paper aims to review and synthesize available literature on how low vision impacts the activity and participation of older adults. Method A scoping review was conducted. The key findings were extracted from 30 full-text articles that met the selection criteria. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was used to frame the findings at the activity and participation levels. Results At the activity level, the categories of Walking, Moving around in different locations, and Reading were commonly impacted by low vision. The main domains impacted at the participation level were Community, social and civic life and Interpersonal interaction and relationships. Only one study addressed the goals of older adults with low vision. Conclusion Low vision impacts reading, walking, and moving around in different locations. Rehabilitation therapists should be aware of and consider assessing these activities. Further research is needed on the impact of low vision on other functional activities, participation, and self-identified goals of older adults to guide clinical practice.