Low vision needs in a developing country Venezuela, SA

Determine knowledge level, referral options that ophthalmologists and ophthalmology residents have on LV area; establish the existence of LV service in public and private hospitals. Descriptive study cross section was made, 216 were interviewed; Zulia-Venezuela, instrument open and closed questions was applied; measure: knowledge level of concept, classification, world epidemiology, causes, morbidity, notion optic and no-optic help, importance of the work in team, instruction in ophthalmology training program and easiness to consultations of low vision. The statistical data appear like absolute and relative values. Two hundred and sixteen were interviewed: 83.3% know LV concept, 57.1% the classification of VA in LV, 35.7% the world-wide epidemiology, 85.7% the 3 main causes, 80.9% about the optical and non-optical aids, 40.4% have morbidity between 30% and 50% of patients with deficient lines and 95.2% consider important the multidisciplinary team approach. 85% of the residents have never received formation in LV; 100% of public hospitals lack services of LV; 0.086% of the private centers have LV consultation; 58.3% do not know where to refer its patients. Needs diffuse information on LV care to ophthalmologists and initiate ophthalmology training program is absolutely necessary; fomenting and creating services that concern the demands in public and private hospitals.