Abstract
Introduction The authors have previously described the Unified Visual Function Scale (UVFS). Here,
we assessed intra- and interobserver reliability of the scale, and investigated correlations
with patient quality of life (QoL).
Methods Eight healthcare practitioners independently applied the UVFS in 20 representative
cases from our parasellar meningioma series. Scoring was compared with consensus grades
assigned by lead authors. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was measured using intraclass
correlation coefficient (ICC), Fleiss's κ, and Cohen's κ, respectively. Patient QoL
was assessed Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (VFQ-25) or Activities of Daily Vision
Scale (ADVS), and correlated with UVFS grades for each eye.
Results The interobserver ICC was 0.734 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.652–0.811), with
Fleiss's κ of 0.758, 0.691, and 0.899 for grades A, B, and C, respectively. The intraobserver
ICC was 0.758 (95% CI: 0.638–0.872), and Fleiss's κ was 0.604, 0.268, and 0.910 for
grades A, B, and C respectively. The Cohen's κ for agreement between UVFS category
grades and consensus grades was 0.816 (95 CI: 0.698–0.934). Survey response rate was
51% (27/53). The UVFS demonstrated strong correlation with VFQ-25 subdivisions general
vision (r = 0.7712), near activities (r = 0.7262), peripheral vision (r = 0.6722), and driving (r = 0.6608), and also demonstrated strong correlation with the overall ADVS score (r = 0.5902).
Conclusion This study shows that the UVFS is valid within a small subset of observers, and accurately
reflects patient QoL. It is robust and practical, which make it suitable for broad
implementation.
Keywords visual - field - acuity - scale - validation
