Experiences of People with Visual Impairment regarding Multiple Medicine Usage at Public Health Institutions: An Empirical Qualitative Study

Background: Individuals with visual impairment experience multiple health challenges alongside age?related and chronic conditions, leading to frequent and complex medication use. Managing several medicines is error?prone, and visual impairment further increases the risk of mistakes that compromise patient safety. Purpose: This study explored and described the experiences of people with visual impairment who use more than two medicines. Method: A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed to examine the lived experiences of visually impaired individuals. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual face?to?face interviews and were analyzed thematically. Results: Three themes emerged: 1) challenges in self?administration of medication, 2) limited access to and management of medication information, and 3) difficulties with proper storage and disposal. Participants reported a loss of independence and privacy, anxiety about medication errors, and a lack of accessible guidance. Conclusion: Managing multiple medicines is a demanding and often stressful experience for people with visual impairment, affecting their autonomy and medication safety. These findings highlight the need for structured support systems that provide accessible medication information and reinforce safe self?management practices. Public health authorities should consider targeted education programs and community?based assistance for visually impaired individuals. Moreover, collaboration with pharmaceutical companies to design inclusive packaging with tactile cues, Braille labeling, and audio instructions could significantly improve medication safety and adherence within this population.