Low Vision Services Provision throughout NHS Trusts in the UK

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Services Research

Background:

• Low vision services are crucial for maintaining the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments.
• Understanding the current landscape of low vision service provision within the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is essential for identifying gaps and inequalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current provision of low vision services for children and adults within NHS Trusts across the United Kingdom.
• To identify variations in service availability, professional involvement, and patient demographics served by low vision clinics.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was distributed to members of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) and Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs).
• The survey targeted all 238 NHS Trusts/Health Boards across the four nations of the UK, inquiring about the presence, structure, and patient groups served by their low vision services.

Main Results:

• A 49% response rate was achieved, with 117 out of 238 Trusts reporting. Of these, 94% offered some form of Trust-delivered low vision service.
• Services for adults were available in 90% of responding Trusts, while 83% provided services for children, and 79% offered services for both age groups.
• Significant regional and national variations in service accessibility for patients of all ages were identified.

Conclusions:

• There is considerable heterogeneity in low vision service provision across the UK, with some regions lacking essential services for children, adults, or both.
• The findings highlight the need for further investigation into low vision service provision to address inequalities in access and resourcing.
• Ensuring equitable access to comprehensive low vision care for all individuals, regardless of their location, is a critical public health objective.