Abstract:

Objective To review the application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in the field of visual impairment (VI) rehabilitation.

Methods Literature related to ICF and VI rehabilitation was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP from inception to May, 2026. Standards and policy documents related to VI published before May, 2026 were retrieved from the National Standards Full-text Disclosure System of the Standardization Administration of China, the China Disabled Persons' Federation and the Chinese Government Portal. Following PRISMA-ScR, based on the three-dimensional ICF framework, an integrated analysis was conducted from the dimensions of theory, practice and policy.

Results A total of 17 articles involving 2 648 participants, and four domestic VI assessment standards and one guideline were included. At the theoretical level, domestic VI standards showed the highest alignment with the ICF dimension of body functions, while the coverage of the activities and participation dimension was uneven, and the coverage of the environmental factors dimension was the weakest. At the practical level, the ICF was primarily used for developing assessment tools, conducting clinical evaluations, implementing interventions and exploring service models. At the policy level, the overall orientation of domestic special education and medical insurance payment aligned with the ICF concept of whole person rehabilitation, yet specific implementation rules remained to be formulated.

Conclusion ICF provides a comprehensive and systematic approach for integrating the VI rehabilitation system in China, demonstrating significant application value in standard construction, clinical practice optimization and policy refinement.

Key words: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, visual impairment, functional assessment, rehabilitation, scoping review