Evaluation of Low Vision Service Delivery at the Jos University Teaching Hospital Eye Clinic, Plateau State

Low vision services, encompassing optical aid prescription, visual training, and referral to rehabilitation programs, remain underdeveloped in many Nigerian tertiary institutions. This study evaluates the quality and comprehensiveness of low vision service delivery at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Eye Clinic in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A mixed-methods design will be employed, involving a retrospective audit of low vision patient records over a four-year period and in-depth interviews with five eye care professionals at the clinic. Audit indicators will include completeness of functional vision assessment, prescription of low vision aids, documentation of patient-centered goals, and referral to visual rehabilitation. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to capture staff perspectives on service strengths and constraints. The study expects to find gaps in the provision of non-optical aids, patient counseling, and systemic referral to occupational therapy or social welfare services. Recommendations will be presented to the JUTH management and the Plateau State Ministry of Health. This research contributes to professional and institutional development in low vision care in northern Nigeria and provides a framework for benchmarking low vision service quality at Nigerian teaching hospitals. Keywords: low vision services, JUTH, service delivery, Plateau State, visual rehabilitation