**6. Advantages in using accessible features and applications**

Conventionally, patients with low vision and blind receive optical and nonoptical vision rehabilitation services using various traditional assistive devices such as magnifiers (both near & distance) and Braille, Digital Accessible Information System (DASIY) book and video magnifiers or Closed Circuit Television -CCTV (**Figure 8**). Although, the beneficial for traditional devices are widely documented in literature, their adoption and consistent use amongst visually impaired individuals is impeded by various factors, such as, discomforts, expensive, weight, difficult to carry, social stigma attached to it, lack of technical support in terms of training, lack of skills and knowledge in caregivers, unavailability [25–27]. For example, the cost of CCTV is 1000 USA dollars or more. Therefore, non-procurement by visually disabled is likely to be high. At the same time, the abandonment and disuse of these traditional devices are ranging from 30%, reaching upto 75% for few devices [28].

Mainstream smartphones are visually and physically demanding, and are well adopted by general population across the world, therefore when an individual with a visual loss uses a smartphone, the users are less likely drawn to public attention in comparison with traditional assistive devices. Furthermore, they are less likely to pose a social stigma while using them, less discomfort to use it and seldom have any

**Figure 8.** *Traditional assistive technologies (left to right: CCTV, Optical magnifiers, DAISY)*

negative peer reaction on the users. As evidence exists on the influence of stigma and social negative reaction on adoption of tradition assistive devices in people with visual disability [18, 29].

In addition, the smartphones are available any time and any place, and universally design and user can carry everywhere [17]. The portability of smartphones with a lanyard or holsters is an important advantage as reiterated by visually impaired population. Their cost is relatively lower in prices compared to earlier periods. Therefore, the mainstream devices are replacing the traditional assistive devices in performing multiple daily living tasks, though the traditional devices are still in use for a limited specific purpose [18]. A study highlights that independent living, accomplishing daily living tasks will be better function in a person with visual impairment with app than without app [30].

The smartphones can be connected with the internet Wi-fi, Bluetooth for various purposes, further the accessible features and apps help to access various useful information. Such advance technologies help to accomplish a lot of activities from home avoiding the needless travel among the users. The new wireless charging system for smartphones is recently added on characteristics which can help to recharge the battery. With a new norm after COVID-19 pandemic, the smartphones and accessible apps help in availing tele-rehabilitation services provided by eye care centre [31, 32]. Such tele-health service help to avoid the unnecessary travel to the hospital and maintain social distancing during the lockdown.
