Author’s Name(s): Tianwei Ellen Zhou, Devin Betsch, Alexandra Anderson, Isobel Anderson, Anuradha Mishra, Lesya Shuba

Author’s Disclosure Block: Tianwei Ellen Zhou, none; Devin Betsch, none; Alexandra Anderson, none; Isobel Anderson, none; Anuradha Mishra, none; Lesya Shuba, none

Abstract Body
Introduction: Low vision significantly impacts quality of life and is linked to higher depression rates. Chronic ocular diseases like glaucoma add complexity to mental health management. Despite positive outcomes from mental health programs, access remains limited due to unique barriers and insufficient resources. With an aging population and rising visual impairment, there is a pressing need to address this gap.Objective: This study evaluates the impact of visual impairment on quality of life and mental health in glaucoma patients and gauges their interest in integrating mental health services into their ophthalmic care. Methods: A prospective, questionnaire-based study conducted at Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Patient demographics and clinical information were collected. The questionnaire examined the perceived impact of glaucoma on mental health and interest in mental health services. Responses were stratified by clinical data (e.g., visual acuity, visual field loss) for comparative analysis of psychological burden. Results: 62 patients (39 females and 23 males) were recruited between September 2023 and August 2024; 57 of them (91.9%) were Caucasian. The average BCVAs were 0.48±0.99 logMAR (right) and 0.60±1.12 logMAR (left). The average intraocular pressures were 16.3±5.81 mmHg and 17.2±5.96 mmHg, and the mean median deviations were -4.97±4.31 dB and -4.70±2.11 dB for the right and left eye, respectively. 34.4% had at least 3 ocular diseases, and 69.4% had undergone at least 3 ocular procedures.The questionnaire revealed that 58.1% frequently worried about vision, and 22.6% experienced constant periocular discomfort. Although only 4.9% reported difficulty with driving during the daytime, 44.4% experienced difficulty with driving at night. Further, 83.9% felt they accomplished less because of their eye diseases, and 93.5% felt that their suboptimal vision limited their professional capacity. Additionally, 91.7% admitted that they preferred staying at home due to their vision. Patients often felt frustrated (71.7%) and embarrassed (86.4%), less in control of their daily activities (80.0%), and experienced the need to rely on others (86.7%). Lastly, 48.3% stated that vision impairment significantly impacted their mental health, and 37.9% expressed interest in mental health counseling. Conclusion: This pilot study is the first in Canada to survey glaucoma patients’ mental well-being and views on mental health services in ophthalmology. It revealed the significant psychological burden of visual impairment and a gap in resources. We hope the findings support integrating mental health counseling into eye clinics for holistic patient care.