An exploration of smartphone use by, and support for people with vision impairment: a scoping review

This research showcased the use of smartphones by people with vision impairment (PVI) as an assistive technology device. This scoping review sought to provide a comprehensive picture of the current evidence base of smartphones for PVI. Implications for rehabilitation have also been included.

Purpose

Smartphones have become a core piece of assistive technology (AT) for people with vision impairment (PVI) around the world. This scoping review sought to provide a comprehensive picture of the current evidence base of smartphones for PVI.

Methods

Seven electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science) were searched for papers published from 2007 to 2021. Peer-reviewed articles published in English which discussed smartphones use by PVI; smartphone technologies designed for PVI or training and learning support on the use of smartphones were included.

Results

There were 16,899 records retrieved and 65 articles were included in this review. The majority (48%) of the papers focussed on developing better interfaces and Apps for PVI. Contrastingly, there was a paucity of papers (5%) discussing training or learning support for PVI to use smartphones and Apps effectively, even though it was highlighted to be important. Proper training will ensure that PVI can use this everyday technology as an AT to increase participation, enhance independence and improve quality of life overall.

Conclusions

The findings highlighted that smartphones and Apps can be used as effective and affordable AT by PVI. The many recent developments and research interest in smartphone technologies can further support its use. However, good training and learning support on the use of smartphones and Apps by PVI, is lacking. Future research should focus on the development, provision and evaluation of evidence based tailored training and support, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• There is a need for more training and learning support for people with vision impairment (PVI) on the use of smartphones and Apps.
• Individualized and a graded approach to training has been recommended for PVI to learn to use smartphones.
• When supporting or training people to use smartphones, the person’s level of vision impairment as well as their age, are important considerations.
• Health professionals should be cognizant of the steep learning curve that some PVI may experience when using smartphones and Apps, especially when they switch from a phone with physical buttons to touchscreen.
• Certain smartphones features are useful to particular vision loss conditions. For example, zoom and magnification are helpful for those with low vision but text input and output, and commands using speech (e.g., Siri and TalkBack) are useful for those who are blind.