The objective of the study was to assess the impact of low-vision aids on quality of life. Interviews included a modified version of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (Modified German NEI VFQ-25), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination Blind, and Indicators of the Rehabilitation Status. These were conducted before and 5 months after low-vision rehabilitation that involved recommendation of devices and instructing patients on how to use them. Of a total of 88 patients interviewed before low-vision rehabilitation, 50 patients could be reached for the follow-up interview. A huge proportion of the sample reported clinically significant depression (30%) or anxiety (30%). There were no differences between participants or dropouts. After fitting of low-vision devices, patients reported a significant improvement in perceived near tasks (P less than 0.01), social functioning (P less than 0.01), and reading ability (P less than 0.001). The magnitude of change was moderate. No significant changes were found in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination Blind, and Indicators of the Rehabilitation Status. Low-vision rehabilitation appears to have a broader effect than simply improving visual performance, as it may positively influence social functioning. Even though this study had no control group, the influence of low-vision aids on social functioning has not been reported before and should encourage their use.