Socioeconomic impact assessment of low vision and blindness on patients and households in Thailand.

Cross-sectionalClinical & experimental optometry· Aug 2026

Socioeconomic impact assessment of low vision and blindness on patients and households in Thailand.

Suksri Chotikavanich, Pochamana Phisalprapa, Chayanis Kositamongkol … Saranya Sagan

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Community Eye HealthCross-sectionalClinical practiceQ2IF 1.7

Over 40% of patients became unemployed after vision loss from incurable eye disease

Socioeconomic impact assessment of low vision and blindness on patients and households in Thailand.

Suksri Chotikavanich … Saranya Sagan

Clinical & experimental optometry · Aug 2026 · Q2 in Ophthalmology

Background

This study explored the socioeconomic impact of low vision and blindness, mainly due to untreatable bilateral eye diseases, on individuals and their households.

Purpose

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Services for patients with low vision and blindness aim to improve their well-being.

Methods

A cross-sectional study conducted at a low-vision clinic, in which participants were interviewed regarding socioeconomic changes following visual impairment.

n = 110 patients

Results

unemployment rose sharply after vision loss, showing job loss was common

AOR by subgroup · 95% CI

More results

Retinitis pigmentosa was the leading cause of visual impairment (35.4%), followed by optic atrophy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

A significant occupational shift occurred, with many transitioning from professionals to having no occupation ( p < 0.001).

More results

The primary monthly income of patients decreased significantly ( p < 0.001), and the proportion of patients with no income increased (7.3-50.9%).

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Conclusion

Low vision and blindness due to incurable bilateral eye disease were associated with substantial income loss and transition out of paid employment, underscoring the need for integrated rehabilitation and social protection policies to address functional and socioeconomic needs.

Socioeconomic impact assessment of low vision and blindness on patients and households in Thailand.

Socioeconomic impact assessment of low vision and blindness on patients and households in Thailand.

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