| Sumario: | Background: Information, including healthrelated material, is increasingly being shared electronically. Older adults with relatively normal visual acuity can have functional vision loss (e.g., visual field, contrast) that can impact their ability to view this material. Smartphones have builtin vision accessibility settings that allow text to be enhanced. However, many may not be aware of these features. Older adults presenting for eye examinations were surveyed about their use of smartphones and vision accessibility features. Methods: A convenience sample attending a geriatric-based eye clinic was surveyed. Respondents had visual acuity better than or equal to 20/40, were =60 years old, and verified their own smartphone use/ownership. Results: Of the 59 people surveyed, all used their smartphone as a telephone. The majority used it for texting (91.5%), internet access (72.9%), e-mail (69.5%), additional light (62.7%), other apps (52.5%), and social media (50.8%). Fewer respondents (27.2%) reported using apps for health/diet/wellness. When the use of multiple methods to access content was considered, only 35.6% used it to text, e-mail, and access the internet/apps related to health diet or wellness. Many may not be seeking out additional training on smartphone use since the majority (82%) reported already using their smartphone for everything that they desired. Accessibility feature use was reported by 33.9%. The majority (70.0%) solely increased font size. Accessibility settings were changed by patients themselves or by a friend/family member (90%). About one-quarter (23.7%) did not use/know about these features. There was a statistical correlation between younger age and social media use. Conclusion: The large majority of respondents used their smartphone to access electronic communication/information; however, variability existed. These findings support the development/recommendation of electronic health materials. However, consideration should be given to methods for accessing content. The majority of respondents were not using vision accessibility features, and many did not know about them. None had an eye care provider/staff modify these features. Examination findings can be used to tailor suggestions about optimal smartphone settings.
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