Optimizing Low Vision Rehabilitation in Emotionally Distressed Patients With Inherited Retinal Diseases

BEHAVIORAL

Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR)

The initial session will be with an LVR specialist that will recommend vision-enhancing devices and techniques to improve participant's vision and mobility functionality depending on needs. The devices will be given at no cost and include, but are not limited to: magnifiers that participants can hold or wear, glasses attachments that help filter out light to see better, or items that help with glare or seeing color. This session will be followed by at least one session with an occupational therapist, that will train participants to use the devices (take home and use) and recommend/teach ways to achieve functional goals. Most participants will be asked to attend 2-4 visits, but additional visits may be needed depending on needs and progress toward functional goals. Additional visits if orientation and mobility training is also recommended. Participants will be asked to share experiences approximately 1-week after all visits.

BEHAVIORAL

Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT)

There will be ten 1-hour weekly sessions of specialized psychotherapy with an ERT-trained therapist. These are typically done virtually but may be able to provide in-person sessions to those where this is needed. At the beginning of each session, the therapist will give participant's several questionnaires to learn about participant's experience with ERT. Questionnaires will also be completed after all sessions are completed.

Determine if LVR improves vision-related disabilities and distress measures by the Michigan Vision-related Anxiety Questionnaire (MVAQ)

Time frame: Baseline to 6 month

The Michigan Vision-related Anxiety Questionnaire is a 14 -item questionnaire designed to assess anxiety/distress related to vision impairments. Responses can range between: Never, Sometimes, Frequently, Always, N/A for Non-Vision Reasons. The questionnaire provides 2 scores (one for anxiety about rod function and one for anxiety about cone function). Both of those scores fall between -3 and 3 (an increasing score indicates higher levels of anxiety).

Determine if LVR improves vision-related disabilities and distress measures by the Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire (MRDQ)

Time frame: Baseline to 6 month

The Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire is a 59-item questionnaire aimed to assess vision-related functional impairment. Responses can range between: None, A little difficulty, Moderate difficulty, Extreme difficulty, My vision is too poor to do this, N/A for non-vision reasons. The questionnaire provides 7 scores (for 7 different domains of vision) and also range from -3 to 3 (0 is centered at the mean trait level of the population and extreme values for theta (i.e., -3, +3) are indicative of low or high visual dysfunction based on item responses).

Determine if LVR measures are different between low-distress and high-distress groups accessed at month-6 by MVAQ

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months

Comparison between low-distress arm and high-distress arm prior to ERT treatment at month-6. The Michigan Vision-related Anxiety Questionnaire is a 14 -item questionnaire designed to assess anxiety/distress related to vision impairments. The Michigan Vision-related Anxiety Questionnaire is a 14 -item questionnaire designed to assess anxiety/distress related to vision impairments. Responses can range between: Never, Sometimes, Frequently, Always, N/A for Non-Vision Reasons. The questionnaire provides 2 scores (one for anxiety about rod function and one for anxiety about cone function). Both of those scores fall between -3 and 3 (an increasing score indicates higher levels of anxiety).

Determine if LVR measures are different between low-distress and high-distress groups accessed at month-6 by MRDQ

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months

Comparison between low-distress arm and high-distress arm prior to ERT treatment at month-6. The Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire is a 59-item questionnaire aimed to assess vision-related functional impairment. Responses can range between: None, A little difficulty, Moderate difficulty, Extreme difficulty, My vision is too poor to do this, N/A for non-vision reasons. The questionnaire provides 7 scores (for 7 different domains of vision) and also range from -3 to 3 (0 is centered at the mean trait level of the population and extreme values for theta (i.e., -3, +3) are indicative of low or high visual dysfunction based on item responses).

Determine if adjunctive ERT treatment in the high-distress arms improves vision-related disabilities and vision-related distress measures greater than LVR alone measured by MVAQ

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months

The Michigan Vision-related Anxiety Questionnaire is a 14 -item questionnaire designed to assess anxiety/distress related to vision impairments. Responses can range between: Never, Sometimes, Frequently, Always, N/A for Non-Vision Reasons. The questionnaire provides 2 scores (one for anxiety about rod function and one for anxiety about cone function). Both of those scores fall between -3 and 3 (an increasing score indicates higher levels of anxiety).

Determine if adjunctive ERT treatment in the high-distress arms improves vision-related disabilities and vision-related distress measures greater than LVR alone measured by the MRDQ

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months

The Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire is a 59-item questionnaire aimed to assess vision-related functional impairment. Responses can range between: None, A little difficulty, Moderate difficulty, Extreme difficulty, My vision is too poor to do this, N/A for non-vision reasons. The questionnaire provides 7 scores (for 7 different domains of vision) and also range from -3 to 3 (0 is centered at the mean trait level of the population and extreme values for theta (i.e., -3, +3) are indicative of low or high visual dysfunction based on item responses).

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.