Abstract
Background and Purpose
Visual dysfunction is commonly reported following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and is a contributing factor for people having persistent symptoms following their injury. Previous literature has examined the lived experiences of people with visual dysfunction following acquired brain injury (ABI). There is a lack of literature specifically investigating the experiences of people with visual dysfunction following mTBI and no studies to date have examined this in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). This thesis addresses a gap in the literature by focusing specifically on the experiences of those with visual dysfunction following mTBI.
Methods
In this interpretive description study, seven participants with lived experience of visual dysfunction following mTBI were recruited from concussion service providers in the Auckland region. Semi-structured interviews were completed and transcribed. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data and generate the findings for this study. Reflexivity was maintained, including the use of a reflexive journal, to critically examine how my thoughts or biases from my clinician perspective may have influenced the research process.
Results
Three themes were identified: “There is a lot going on at once”, “Accessing the right help made all the difference” and “I couldn’t do it alone”. Findings showed that visual dysfunction was a complex impairment following mTBI, presenting with a wide range of symptoms that had a significant impact on a person’s daily life. Visual dysfunction was often under-recognised, inconsistently assessed and people received inequitable care and support. Participants’ recovery was influenced not only by gaining access to appropriate assessment and intervention, but also by the validation, empathy and support they received both from formal and informal supports. Findings highlight that improving outcomes for individuals with visual dysfunction following mTBI requires timely recognition of visual dysfunction, equitable access to specialist assessments and a holistic, person-centred approach to rehabilitation.
Discussion
Research findings signal a clear need for greater clinical capability and interdisciplinary coordination. Clinicians require confidence and training to identify visual dysfunction early and to provide, or refer to, appropriate rehabilitation. At a systems level, policies and service frameworks should ensure equitable access to vision-specific assessment and intervention as part of standard post-mTBI care. Future research should build on these insights by prioritising diversity of participants, experiences of system navigation and long-term outcomes of vision rehabilitation. These considerations contribute to more coherent, person-centred pathways for people experiencing visual dysfunction following mTBI and ensure that the complexity of their recovery journeys is better recognised within clinical practice and policy.