An exploration of smartphone use by, and support for people with vision impairment: a scoping review.

The findings highlighted that smartphones and Apps can be used as effective and affordable AT by PVI. The many recent developments and research interest in smartphone technologies can further support its use. However, good training and learning support on the use of smartphones and Apps by PVI, is lacking. Future research should focus on the development, provision and evaluation of evidence based tailored training and support, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Implications for rehabilitationThere is a need for more training and learning support for people with vision impairment (PVI) on the use of smartphones and Apps.Individualized and a graded approach to training has been recommended for PVI to learn to use smartphones.When supporting or training people to use smartphones, the person's level of vision impairment as well as their age, are important considerations.Health professionals should be cognizant of the steep learning curve that some PVI may experience when using smartphones and Apps, especially when they switch from a phone with physical buttons to touchscreen.Certain smartphones features are useful to particular vision loss conditions. For example, zoom and magnification are helpful for those with low vision but text input and output, and commands using speech (e.g., Siri and TalkBack) are useful for those who are blind.