Sight loss in later life: a vision for health service intervention

The care and support of older people with visual impairment is a neglected public policy issue, despite the growing numbers affected by sight loss in later life. A recent study of 400 people aged above 55 has identified problem areas and ways to improve practice and service delivery. Improvements will depend on better patient care at the time of diagnosis and more effective follow-up, with implications for closer liaison between health and social care practitioners. The article highlights three significant issues: the quality of patient care at time of diagnosis; difficulties experienced receiving and gaining access to outpatient follow-up; and the consequences of low levels of registration.