Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (7): 755-762.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.07.002

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Comparative study of six visual disability-related standards in China based on ICF and ICD-11

LÜ Xueli1,2, YANG Yaru2,3,4, QIU Zhuoying2,4, WANG Zhongyan2,4, TIAN Yifan1, LIU Ye1, LI Chen1(), CHEN Di1,2()   

  1. 1. China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing 100068, China
    2. WHO-FIC Collaborating Center in China, Beijing 100068, China
    3. College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
    4. School of Social Development/International Center for Rehabilitation Policy and ICF Research, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266113, China
  • Received:2025-03-27 Revised:2025-06-09 Published:2025-07-25 Online:2025-07-30
  • Contact: LI Chen, E-mail: lilycrrc@sina.com;CHEN Di, E-mail: cindino80@126.com
  • Supported by:
    The Fundamental Research Funds for Central Public Welfare Research Institutes, conducted by China Rehabilitation Science Institute(CRSI2023CZ-16);The Fundamental Research Funds for Central Public Welfare Research Institutes, conducted by China Rehabilitation Science Institute(CRSI2024CZ-1)

Abstract:

Objective To compare six existing Chinese standards related to visual disability, including Disability Assessment and Code for Life Insurance (Insurance Standard), Specification for Ability Assessment of Older Adults (Elderly Standard), Grading of Disability due to Human Body Injury (Judicial Standard), Standard for Identify Work Ability—Gradation of Disability Caused by Work-related Injuries and Occupational Diseases (Work Injury Standard), Standard for Assessment of Disability Grades of Military Personnel (Military Standard), and Classification and Grading Criteria of Disability (Disability Classification Standard).

Methods Based on the theoretical framework of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and International Classification of Diseases, the 11th Revision (ICD-11), and with reference to World Report on Vision(WRV), this study analyzed and compared five key dimensions of visual disability across the six standards: definition, classification, grading, assessment methods and coding systems.

Results In terms of definition, the insurance, work injury, military, and disability classification standards emphasized visual structure and function, focusing on visual acuity and visual field; the insurance and elderly standards incorporated activities and participation, reflecting the concept of functional vision; the judicial standard lacked a dedicated definition of visual disability. In terms of grading, each standard graded visual disability into different levels acoording to different functional indicators. In terms of coding, only the insurance standard adopted the ICF framework, while others used non-ICF numeric codes or lacked standardized coding. In terms of assessment tools, the elderly standard employed a customized perceptual and participation scoring system, while others relied primarily on vision charts.

Conclusion Most current Chinese standards focus on impairments in visual function, with limited attention to activity limitations and participation restrictions. It is needed for incorporating the concept of functional vision, aligned with ICF and WRV, to establish a unified conceptual framework, terminology, coding system for visual disability, and comprehensive assessments that reflect not only impairments but also the impact on daily functioning and environmental interaction.

Key words: visual disability, classification, grading, functional vision, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

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