If a client has a Snellen chart vision result of 20/80, what does this indicate?

A Snellen chart vision result of 20/80 indicates that the client can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 80 feet. This means that the client's visual acuity is impaired; they are able to discern details clearly only at a much closer range compared to someone with perfect eyesight. The first number, 20, represents the distance at which the client is tested, while the second number, 80, reflects the distance where an individual with normal vision would be able to read the same line on the chart.

This finding demonstrates a reduced visual capacity, as the client’s vision is not as sharp as that of the average person. To comprehend this further, normal vision is typically considered to be 20/20, where both values are equal, indicating typical visual function. A result of 20/80 places the client at a disadvantage in visual performance, highlighting the importance of vision assessments in health promotion and disease prevention practice.