Abstract

Clinical Significance
Optometrists are well-placed to provide helpful advice and guidance to patients with visual impairment but may not know how best to do this. The availability of a reliable and comprehensive conversational agent to which patients could be directed would be a valuable supplement to clinical intervention.

Background
The Artificial Intelligence in Visual Impairment (AIVI) Study is a proof-of-concept study to investigate whether ongoing information support for people with visual impairment (VI) can be provided by a dialogue-based digital assistant. The phase of the AIVI Study reported here explored the different dimensions of the information-seeking behaviour of individuals with VI: in particular, their need for information, the methods for obtaining it at present, and their views on the use of a digital assistant.

Methods
Qualitative data were collected from 120 UK-resident adults who responded to an online survey who were either visually impaired (86.7%), a carer or family member of someone with VI (5.8%), or a professional involved in the support of those with VI (7.5%). In addition, 10 in-depth 1:1 semi-structured interviews explored opinions in more detail. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings.

Results
Analysis of information needs identified 7 major themes: ocular condition; equipment, technology and adaptations; daily activities; registration; finance/employment; emotional support; and support for the carer. Participants used a wide variety of methods to access information from many sources and explained the barriers to access. Participants accepted the merit of a dialogue system aiding in a goal-directed search for specific information, but expressed reservations about its abilities in other areas, such as providing emotional support.

Conclusions
Participants highlighted potential benefits, limitations, and requirements in using a digital assistant to access information about VI. These findings will inform the design of dialogue systems for populations with VI.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Clinical and Experimental Optometry on 29 Jan 2023, available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2022.2159791
Publisher Keywords:	Artificial intelligence, conversational agent, digital assistant, information needs, virtual assistant, visual impairment
Subjects:	R Medicine > RE Ophthalmology T Technology > T Technology (General)
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Optometry & Visual Sciences

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