Quality of life in children and adolescents with visual impairment: key pillars of support explored through a qualitative analysis among different healthcare professionals in the Flemish healthcare landscape.

Abstract

Children and adolescents with visual impairment (VI) face challenges in mobility, social participation, education, relationships and mental health, potentially reducing quality of life (QoL). Supporting their strengths across life domains requires the involvement of various stakeholders with healthcare professionals (HCPs) playing a key role. This study explored HCPs' perspectives on VI and QoL in children and adolescents, and what they consider essential in supporting this group. Second, we examined how these views are reflected in the Flemish (Belgium) healthcare, social and educational landscape. Interviews were conducted with 16 HCPs from hospitals, learning support centers and special education schools, and analyzed thematically. Key themes and their interrelations were visualized using causal loop diagrams. Six pillars of support in addressing QoL were identified: holistic vision of VI and QoL, self-reliance as main goal, child-centered support, parents as indispensable partners, interprofessional orientation and acquaintanceship. Key facilitators included trust, role recognition, joint training and the relatively small landscape. Region-based networks, limited expertise, high administrative burden and stigma were pinpointed as barriers. Although participants held mutual pillars in mind when addressing QoL in children and adolescents with VI, these pillars are subject to changes in the healthcare, social and educational landscape.