To evaluate the understanding of low vision and awareness of low vision rehabilitation of non-health care providers and health care providers using a survey.

The present survey included 304 individuals; 137 non-health care providers (25 low vision patients, 38 non-low vision patients, and 74 normal controls) and 167 health care providers (51 ophthalmologists, 56 non-ophthalmic physicians, 24 nurses, and 36 medical technicians). The questionnaire used in the survey consisted of 10 items pertaining to the definition of low vision (3 items), assistance of low vision patients (3 items), awareness of the difficulties of low vision patients in daily life (3 items), and the understanding of low vision aids (1 item).

The majority of participants, except ophthalmologists, were unaware of low vision rehabilitation. The perceptions of low vision rehabilitation between non-health care providers and health care providers except ophthalmologists were not different. The ophthalmologists showed a better understanding of low vision and awareness of low vision rehabilitation than other health care provider groups. However, no difference was found in the degree of understanding regarding low vision aids. Low vision patients showed the lowest rate of satisfaction with the environment around them and most experienced the greatest difficulties in public transportation and outside activities.

Although ophthalmologists showed a better understanding of low vision rehabilitation, their understanding of low vision aids was poor. Thus, there should be an effort to improve the ophthalmologists' understanding regarding low vision care. To enhance low vision rehabilitation awareness, promotion of low vision services and education campaigns is necessary and a strategy concerning social welfare to improve the environment for low vision patients should be implemented.