1 Centre for Health and Social Research Glenrothes, Fife,
² Fife Low Vision Service,
³ Fife Society for the Blind,
Scotland.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the Fife Interdisciplinary Low Vision Service (FILVS) on the vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) of service users.

Seventy-one patients were interviewed two weeks prior to their appointment with the FILVS and again 6 months later to assess any changes in their VRQOL.

With the exception of feelings of loneliness and isolation and inability to carry out preferred activities due to vision, patients showed a reduction in concern about all of the other VRQOL issues after contact with the FILVS. They were significantly less anxious about deterioration of their vision, safety within the home and coping with everyday life.

Improvements in many areas of their VRQOL indicates that the FILVS has a positive impact on the lives of service users.