Patient preferences for portable versus table-mounted visual field devices in rural Alabama: A mixed methods study within a telemedicine setting

PURPOSE: To evaluate patient satisfaction and preferences for portable versus table-mounted visual field (VF) devices in a rural telemedicine setting and identify influencing factors. METHODS: We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study at three Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) within the Alabama Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and eye Health through Telemedicine (AL-SIGHT) study. Participants completed VF testing with table-mounted Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA), tablet-based Melbourne Rapid Fields (MRF), and virtual reality (VR)-based VisuALL perimeters. Participants rated satisfaction, comfort, ease of use, and future testing preference. Chi-square tests assessed differences in device preferences. Twelve participants completed semi-structured interviews to explore reasons underlying preferences. Qualitative data were analyzed in NVivo 14 using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Among 271 respondents (mean age 60.4 years; 62.4% women), 50.6% preferred VR-based, 35.1% tablet-based, and 14.4% table-mounted for future testing (χ2 (2) = 53.52, p < 0.001, Cramér's V = 0.31). Satisfaction was highest for VR-based (56.9% very satisfied), followed by tablet-based (49.4%), and HFA (38.0%). VR-based perimeter was most frequently selected as the most comfortable (55.7%; χ2 (2) = 63.33, p < 0.001, V = 0.34) and easiest to use (54.6%; χ2 (2) = 71.96, p < 0.001, V = 0.36). Preferences did not vary significantly across demographic variables (all p > 0.05). Qualitative themes identified four key drivers: comfort and physical experience, visual experience, ease of use and interaction, and psychological and motivational factors. Portability and community suitability were valued. CONCLUSION: Rural underserved patients strongly preferred portable visual field devices, particularly VR-based, over table-mounted HFA. Comfort, ergonomic flexibility, immersive visual experience, and simplicity of interaction were central determinants of preference. Portable perimetry may enhance patient-centered glaucoma monitoring within telemedicine programs and access in resource-limited settings.