Correct thinking: fixing uncorrected refractive error
A common cause of sight loss in the UK, uncorrected refractive error is easy to remedy, particularly if caught early. So, Kim Thomas asks, why do so many people live with uncorrected refractive error – and what can optometrists do to address it?
Two million people in the UK live with sight loss, of whom 800,000 (39%) have uncorrected refractive error (RNIB, 2021). The EPIC-Norfolk study, which examined 8,623 people aged 48 to 92, found that visual impairment was more likely in older people. It also discovered that, among the 63 participants with visual impairment or blindness, 28% of cases were as a consequence of uncorrected refractive error (Khawaja et al, 2013).
The condition is also the most common cause of visual impairment in school-age children in both industrialised and developing countries (Prakash et al, 2022; Robaei et al, 2006). It is a particular concern as, in the UK, the rate of myopia among children has doubled in the past 50 years (McCullough et al, 2016).
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Related further reading
The College of Optometrists has responded to the GOC consultation on the proposed updated statement on testing of sight and proposed supervision and delegation standards.
The GOC’s findings indicate strong patient satisfaction with eye care services but identifies that registrants have concerns that commercial pressures could potentially impact their ability to deliver the best possible care to patients, as well as affecting their wellbeing.
This Halloween we're urging the public to think about their eye health.