Behind the headlines

13 May 2022
Spring 2022

Eye health issues that are making the news.

Cataract surgery linked to lower dementia risk

Cataract removal is associated with an almost 30% reduction in the risk of developing dementia, according to a major new US study.

Researchers suggest this is because surgery improves vision and increases sensory inputs to the brain.

The group tracked more than 3,000 people aged 65 and older diagnosed with cataracts over a 24-year period.

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Related further reading

To mark World Sight Day, new analysis of UK eye tests data estimates that only around 5% of the total population of children aged five years and under had an eye test in 2025, despite optometrists and opticians recommending that children should be taken for their first regular eye test by the time they start school, from age three to four years old.

ABDO, Boots Opticians, the College and Specsavers have all come together to provide CPD to enable you to build your confidence in working with children in your practice.

The GOC is consulting on an update to its 2013 Statement on the testing of sight, alongside proposed changes to the Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians and the Standards for Optical Students.