Prevalence of visual impairment in those with dementia generally higher than the overall population
Nearly three quarters of visual impairment in those with dementia addressed through spectacles or cataract operation
Nearly three quarters of visual impairment in those with dementia addressed through spectacles or cataract operation
Research led by The College of Optometrists found that prevalence of visual impairment (VI) in those with dementia is generally higher than for the overall population, highlighting the importance of sight tests in this group of people. The College’s research also found that almost 50% of those living with dementia and VI were no longer classified as visually impaired when wearing their up-to-date spectacle prescription and that VI was approximately 2-2.5 times more common for those people with dementia living in care homes than for those living at home.
The research, entitled the Prevalence of Visual Impairment in People with Dementia (PrOVIDe), was led by the College of Optometrists in collaboration with City, University of London, University of Birmingham, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Alzheimer’s Society, University of Newcastle, Trinity College Dublin and University College London and was funded and published by the National Institute for Health Research. The project also benefitted from in-kind support from The Outside Clinic.
The study aimed to measure the prevalence of a range of vision problems in people with dementia aged 60-89 years to determine the extent to which their vision conditions are undetected or inappropriately managed. The study’s key findings were:
Of particular note to practising optometrists, the study highlighted:
Mike Bowen, Director of Research at the College of Optometrists, and chief investigator for the study said; “Risks of both dementia and visual impairment increase with age, so a large proportion of people with dementia may also have visual impairment. We hope that this research will help professionals to understand the importance of vision to those with dementia. This in turn, can help us to provide better care and help improve quality of life for this growing group within the population.
“Optometrists are not always informed when an individual has dementia, which is a very significant factor in achieving the best outcome for the individual. This study gives us some very clear information, such as that a carer’s knowledge of the history of the person with dementia is very valuable to the optometrist. We’ve also learned that some optometrists do not think that they have enough training or support to effectively examine the sight of those with dementia and we will work to provide up-to-date training resources to our members as part of our strategy to implement the report’s findings.
The College has generated a set of resources for members to use in everyday practice, supporting them in offering the best possible eye care to patients with dementia, including peer discussion case studies, a PrOVIDe presentation from researcher, Professor David Edgar,and a DOCET programme about dementia.
James Pickett, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Society said: “We know all too well how important it is for people affected by dementia to access good quality eye care.
“The study helps to address the vast misconceptions that it is difficult or impossible for people living with dementia to get an eye test. It is not only possible but hugely important. The findings also show that for a large number of people affected by dementia, a simple correction such as getting glasses or surgery can greatly improve their quality of life.
“We need to make sure that both eye professionals and people affected by dementia understand the importance of accessing eye care, and how correcting vision impairments can make a significant difference to the lives of people living with dementia.”
A parliamentary launch for the PrOVIDe research took place on 25 April. It aimed to raise awareness of optometry, the College, and the issues related to vision and dementia. Here are a few photographs from the event, which was sponsored by MP Debbie Abrahams, who is the Chair of the Dementia APPG:
ENDS
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