Six Feet Of Separation: Physical Distancing Impacts On Blind And Low Vision During Covid-19 Pandemic

Purpose : Individuals with vision loss are experiencing new and unique challenges due to physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross sectional study to understand challenges and to learn about adaptive strategies employed. Methods : The Casey Eye Institute EHR (EPIC) was queried for patients meeting the following criteria: best corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better seeing eye;age 18-100, and active email address. 762 requests for participation in completing a 23- question survey were emailed via REDcap and responses were received from 46 patients;19 male and 27 female. The data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Comparisons were made between age, duration of visual impairment, severity of visual impairment to effects of physical distancing and adaptive strategies. Comparisons were made using the chi-squared test. Results : 44% of participants reported that physical distancing impacted their willingness to run essential errands and 52% agree or strongly agree that they have difficulty maintaining physical distancing due to their visual impairment. 65% agree or strongly agree that changes to the layout of familiar places, to encourage physical distancing, makes navigating more difficult. There is an association between age and this difficulty with navigating due to changes to the layout (p 10 years, but not since birth, are most likely to report using strategies to maintain physical distancing. Conclusions : The need to physically distance during a pandemic poses unique challenges for individuals with vision loss. Policies for physical distancing should consider this population. Visual markers on the ground to indicate 6 feet of separation can be helpful and it is important to be mindful when making changes to the environmental layout. Further research to learn more about the strategies utilized by this population to adapt to these challenges is needed.