How Does Vision Loss Affect Daily Living? A Mixed-Method Study in Flanders

This study explores how adults and the elderly experience living with vision loss in the Flanders region of Belgium. As part of a mixed-method design, five focus groups were conducted with 18 Dutch-speaking participants. Thematic analysis and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) linking rules were applied, resulting in 409 concepts mapped to 119 ICF categories. Most concepts related to activities and participation (53%), followed by environmental factors (30%) and body functions (17%). Key challenges included emotional well-being, mobility, self-care, household tasks and access to information. Participants also highlighted barriers such as limited job opportunities, insufficient social support and restricted access to leisure activities. These findings underscore the complexity of functioning with vision loss and the importance of addressing both personal and environmental factors. This research provides essential input for a client-centered ICF Core Set for Vision Loss that reflects the real-world needs of people with vision loss.