RNIB Scotland has said an eye-care strategy launched by the
Scottish government yesterday can help tackle a sight-loss “time
bomb” facing the country.
The Scottish Vision Strategy is a five-year plan to develop more
integrated health and social care support for people with impaired
vision, promote earlier detection of sight-threatening conditions
and tackle risk factors, including poor health. RNIB Scotland
described it as "a real opportunity to secure world-class
services".
Though it hailed Scotland’s record on eye care, which includes
the introduction of free NHS eye examinations in 2006, RNIB
Scotland said that the number of people with some degree of visual
impairment could double to 400,000 over the next 25
years. It pointed to causes such as an ageing population and high
rates of diabetes, obesity, smoking and poor health.
Scottish health minister Shona Robison said that too many people
were not aware of the link between poor health and sight loss. She
added: “We need to ensure the right services are in place and there
is a greater understanding of the need for emotional or practical
support some need to deal with the trauma of losing their
vision.”
There are currently 36,996 registered blind and partially
sighted people in Scotland. Research indicates that as few as
23–38% of those eligible have chosen to register.
Related articles
RNIB Scotland launches project to probe BME eye care
take-up
RNIB-led UK vision strategy urges social care improvements