Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42277405›Full record

ReviewOphthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists)2026

Support for Older People With Vision Impairment: A Rapid Realist Review.

Anju Vaidya, Mark Davies, Carolyn Wallace, Pippa Anderson, Mari Jones, Bablin Molik, Rachel V North, Barbara Ryan, Fiona Verity, Jennifer H Acton

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Support for Older People With Vision Impairment: A Rapid Realist Review.Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists) · 2026
    Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Anju VaidyaSchool of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5631-1794
Mark DaviesFaculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9315-9130
Carolyn WallaceFaculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3799-5748
Pippa AndersonSchool of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2959-2671
Mari JonesSwansea Centre for Health Economics, SCHE, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9661-4899
Bablin MolikSight Cymru, Pontypool, UK.
Rachel V NorthSchool of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6657-5099
Barbara RyanSchool of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3722-8757
Fiona VerityDepartment of Health Sciences, College Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Brunel University of London, London, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7354-4397
Jennifer H ActonSchool of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. ActonJ@cardiff.ac.uk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0347-7651

Funding

HCRW_ SCG-21-1829
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundVision impairment among older adults is a significant public health issue impacting their physical and mental health and overall quality of life. However, access and navigation of support services are inconsistent and lacking. Recognising the need to gain insight to improve access to services in this population, this review aimed to understand how, why, for whom, to what extent and in what context the provisions for care and support for older people with vision impairment worked.

methodsA rapid Realist review was undertaken. Six databases (Cinahl, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts and Sociology Collection) were searched. The review followed the RAMESES Quality Standards for Realist Synthesis and retrieved documents were screened systematically to identify relevant papers. The papers were analysed through iterative and simultaneous use of coding, consolidating and conceptual mapping process to develop a Realist programme theory. Project Advisory Group members contributed to the processes. The Realist review was conducted from July 2023 to July 2024.

resultsNinety-one documents were reviewed and analysed. Novel insights into the provisions of care and support for older people with vision impairment were presented through seven interconnected components: Developing condition literacy, acceptance of the condition and readiness for help, timeliness, access to services, relationships, positive care trajectory and professional knowledge. All contributed to the development of the Programme Theory.

conclusionThe Programme Theory explained why and for whom the services worked, while limited information was found in terms of how and when the services were accessed. The key components identified around the Programme Theory were complex and interconnected in nature, underscoring the importance of a systems approach to effective service provision for older adults with vision impairment. Literature gaps were identified for further exploration in a Realist evaluation.

Indexed as

Health Services AccessibilityPersons with Visual DisabilitiesQuality of LifeVision DisordersAgedHumansAgedEyePublic healthRealist synthesisSocial supportVision lossVisual impairment

Identifiers

PMID42277405
PMCPMC13395985

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.