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M E Cupples, P M Hart, A Johnston,  A J Jackson. Improving healthcare access for people with visual impairment and blindness. BMJ 2012;344:e542

In the UK sight loss affects about two million people, including an estimated 80 000 of working age and 25,000 children. The prevalence of visual impairment is higher among those with multiple disability and older people. According to estimates from the UK’s Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) one in 30 people of any age, one in five aged 75 or over, and half of those over age 90 years in the UK are living with sight loss. Older people with vision impairment report greater difficulty performing activities of everyday living than those with other or no sensory impairments.

Individuals with impaired vision may have great difficulty in accessing and negotiating healthcare services. In this article the authors discuss the difficulties that visually impaired patients encounter in the healthcare environment and ways in which problems may be overcome.

Summary points

• Visual impairment can have adverse consequences for health and wellbeing, and its prevalence is increasing, especially among older people
• People with visual impairment are likely to have limited access to information and healthcare facilities, and to receive sub-optimal treatment because staff are unaware of specific needs related to vision
• Being aware that people may have problems with vision is an important pre-requisite for good healthcare
• Taking time to communicate effectively about access, facilities, diagnosis, and management plans is necessary; communications, in visual or audio format, should be tailored to individuals’ needs
• Checking that personal resources are in place to facilitate compliance with treatment plans is essential for good clinical care

Taken from the BMJ, subscription required: www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e542