Magnitude of Low Vision and Rehabilitation Services Utilisation in Cross River State

Low vision, defined as significant visual impairment not correctable by glasses, medication, or surgery, represents a major but underserved public health challenge in Nigeria. This study determines the magnitude of low vision and assesses utilisation of rehabilitation services among adults in Calabar, Cross River State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional hospital-based design will be used, recruiting 250 patients with low vision attending the eye clinic at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital over a four-month period. Low vision will be diagnosed using WHO criteria (visual acuity between 3 over 60 and 6 over 18 in the better eye), and the leading causes will be documented. A structured questionnaire will assess awareness of low vision aids, access to rehabilitation services, and functional limitations experienced in daily activities. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests will be employed for data analysis. Literature from Nigeria consistently identifies macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic maculopathy as leading causes of low vision in tertiary settings, with very low utilisation of low vision devices and rehabilitation services. This study generates data for Cross River State to support the development of a low vision clinic with rehabilitation capacity at UCTH Calabar. Occupational therapy referral pathways, training of low vision therapists, and subsidised procurement of magnification devices will be prioritised in recommendations. Addressing low vision comprehensively prevents further functional decline and enables individuals to maintain meaningful participation in work, education, and daily life. Keywords: low vision, visual rehabilitation, Cross River State, functional impairment, low vision aids