Aqol 7D (Vision)

Construction of Descriptive System and Utility Weights

Misajon R, Hawthorne G, Richardson J, Barton J, Peacock S, Iezzi A, Keeffe J. (2005).'Vision and quality of life: the development of a utility measure'. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 46(11):4007-4015. DOI:10.1167/iovs.04-1389
Richardson J, Iezzi I, Peacock S, Sinha K, Khan M, Misajon R, Keeffe J. (2012). 'Utility Weights for the Vision-related Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-7D Instrument'. Ophthalmic Epidemiology, 19:3, 172-182.

Validity and reliability

Research Paper 45 - Richardson J, Iezzi A, Sinha K, Khan M, Peacock S, Hawthorne G, Misajon R, Keeffe J. (2009). AQoL-7D (Vision) Instrument: Overview, survey results and ultility algorithms, Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Melbourne.
Research Paper 57 - Richardson J. 2010. Psychometric Validity and Multi Attribute Utility (MAU) Instruments, Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Melbourne.
Test-retest reliabilty coefficients - page 37 in Richardson J, Chen, G, Iezzi, A & Khan, M. (2011).Transformations between the Assessment of Quality of Life AQoL Instruments and Test-Retest Reliability. Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Melbourne.
Gothwal, V.K. & Bagga, D.K. (2013). "Vision and Quality of Life Index: Validation of the Indian version using Rasch analysis.". Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 54(7): 4871-81. DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-11892

7 separately scored dimensions, consisting of AQoL-6D and an additional dimension (VisQoL) detailing problems of particular relevance for the visually impaired.
Items for VisQoL dimension were developed from other visual impairment scales and focus groups.
A simple global ‘utility’ score
Increased sensitivity in the range of good health

Independent Living - household tasks, mobility outside the home, walking and self-care;
Relationships - friendships, family and community role;
Mental Health - feelings of despair, worry, sadness, tranquility/agitation;
Coping - having enough energy, being in control and coping with problems;
Pain - the frequency of pain, the degree of pain and the interference with usual activities caused by pain;
Senses - seeing, hearing and communication.
VisQoL - the effect of visual impairment on risk of injury, coping, friendships, organising assistance, fulfilling roles and everyday activities

Descriptive System

The VisQoL descriptive system was constructed using a SEM analysis of item responses from 180 members of the general public and 180 visually impaired patients from the Melbourne Royal Eye and Ear Hospital.

Scaling System

TTO weights were e mployed to construct a multiplicative dimension model. These were determined by TTO interviews with 180 randomly selected members of the public across SEIFA groups and 180 visually impaired people.
An econometric stage 2 correction was employed using multi-attribute health states.

Timing

Research Team