Quality of vision: A consensus building initiative for a new ophthalmologic concept

PURPOSE. Many studies have addressed the quantification of visual acuity, and the conventional method of measuring it has so far demonstrated serious limitations. Vision testing requires new methods that can more precisely express the quality of vision as perceived by the patient. METHODS. This study employed the Delphi method of consensus building. Concepts associated with quality of vision (QoV) were identified by a board of experts and proposed to participating specialists in two subsequent questionnaires. Upon receipt of the completed questionnaires, the replies were classified to determine the building blocks of a consensus. RESULTS. By analyzing the replies to the two questionnaires, the authors determined the key elements of QoV on which a consensus was found among the respondents. CONCLUSIONS. A consensus was reached on the opinion that the quantification of visual acuity by traditional means is inadequate for investigating QoV Although visual acuity is still a basic element for testing, the experts believe that contrast sensitivity, reading speed, and microperimetry are additional parameters necessary for quantifying QoV The use of a psychometric questionnaire on visual function could allow a better interpretation of visual impairment.