Prescribing medications to patients living with a visual impairment: a qualitative study of physicians to explore their usual clinical practices.

Objectives: Visual impairment is a disability affecting a large number of people worldwide, who are more likely to experience difficulties in their daily lives, impacting on their quality of life, independence, mobility and state of health. However, there is a lack of progress in the field of healthcare for individuals living with a visual impairment. The objectives of this study were (1) to illustrate the usual clinical practices of physicians to support the care of individuals with a visual impairment and (2) to identify the components considered to reduce risks resulting from the prescription of medications to these individuals.

Methods and analysis: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with French-speaking physicians via videoconference in Belgium. Participants were recruited voluntarily and using the snowball method. An interview guide was developed to meet the objectives of the study. Interviews were carried out until theoretical data saturation, recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in a double-blind fashion using thematic analysis. Data were organised using NVivo V.14 software.

Results: Three themes were addressed in the 24 interviews: consultation with patients with a visual impairment, prescribing medications to patients with a visual impairment and medication risk management for patients with a visual impairment. Most participants reported that they had not received specific education in visual impairment. Some physicians reported that they did not differentiate between patients living with a visual impairment and other patients, while others reported taking some additional measures.

Conclusions: This qualitative study highlighted a lack of knowledge and awareness among physicians regarding visual impairment and at-risk medications in these patients. The development of recommendations and tools is a solution to improve the quality of care for patients living with a visual impairment.