Through a high-quality, single-blind, three-arm mixed-method pilot feasibility study using randomized treatment assignment, the study team will assess two new innovative interventions, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation (SSM) and Health Enhancement Program (HEP), both delivered virtually, to augment clinical care of patients with irreversible age-related vision loss (IARVL), with the goal of enhancing mental health and quality of life (QOL) for patients and/or their caregivers. Participants will be blinded to the treatment hypothesis, while investigators and treating clinicians will be additionally blinded to the intervention. Both SSM and HEP will be taught over 4 consecutive days in similar sized groups (10 patients and/or their 10 caregivers) followed by weekly reinforcement sessions for subsequent 11 weeks. Self-rated questionnaires will be used to collect data on quality of life and mental health symptoms at 0-week and 12-week follow-up
Vision loss is common among older adults and leads to an increased risk for depression and difficulties in daily tasks, thus requiring dependence on caregivers. This study will assess the feasibility of providing two virtual interventions, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation (SSM) and Health Enhancement Program (HEP), to supplement care of patients with irreversible age-related vision loss (IARVL) and their caregivers, with the goal of enhancing mental health and quality of life.