Smartphone applications as assistive technology for the visually impaired individuals: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Using smartphone-accessible applications among visually challenged people can enhance independence management of many daily activities. PURPOSE: To assess the use of accessible applications among patients with visual disabilities (PVDs) attending a vision rehabilitation clinic of a tertiary eye center. METHODS: PVDs, aged 18 years and above, were recruited consecutively in the clinic from January to March 2023. Information on the use of smartphones and apps was collected using semi-structured interviews. Apps were categorized into special (accessible) and mainstream. Visual acuities (VAs), both distance and near, were also recorded. RESULTS: In total, 115 PVDs, with a mean age of 26.3 years (SD + 12.8), were interviewed. Among them, 28 respondents (24.6%) were dependent on family members for daily activities solutions. Of the 98 mobile users, 87 (88.8%) used smartphones, and 35 (40.2%) reported using one or more special apps. While InstaReader (20%) and KiBo (16%) were the most used apps by participants with VA