The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has just released an online film to highlight the barriers that prevent people at risk of sight loss from accessing vital eye health services. The film is available at www.rnib.org.uk/healthprofessionals.
The film also explores what factors motivate these groups to get their eyes checked regularly, attend hospital appointments and stick to treatment regimes.
Aimed at eye health professionals, the film brings to life the findings from a recent research project and emphasises the importance of adapting services to be more accessible for who are people particularly at risk of avoidable sight loss.
Community Engagement
RNIB has worked with local stakeholders to establish five Community Engagement Projects (CEP) in areas that have populations of people at higher risk of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
The CEP areas are: Bradford, England; Cwm Taf, Wales; Glasgow, Scotland; Hackney, London and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Both patients and health providers were interviewed as part of the research project, which looked at access to both primary and secondary care.
In the video actors convey the views and voices of patients interviewed in the study. Derek, 65, from Rhondda Valley in South Wales, is quoted saying: "There's a lack of awareness about eye health. Not taking preventative measure to look after your eyes is the biggest problem. The only thing you hear about is contact lenses or laser treatment."
In the target communities, the researchers found that people linked eye health to good vision, but not detection of eye conditions, and that there was a fear of blindness.
Mixed understanding
However, there was a mixed understanding of the risk factors associated with sight loss. The research also found that promotion of eye health is not as visible as other areas of public health or health promotion, such as healthy eating, exercise and oral health.
As part of RNIB's Save our Sight (SOS) campaign, the charity is aiming to tackle avoidable sight loss. The development of seamless eye care pathways and an evidence base about what works in relation to sight loss prevention lies at the centre of this work.
David Allen, Head of Sight Loss Prevention at RNIB, said: "Poor patient experience and concerns over the cost of glasses are barriers to accessing eye care services. Conversely, a much more positive patient experience and continuity of treatment will help people to understand their eye health and get their eyes tested more regularly.
"By working with your optical and eye health colleagues at a local level to improve the patient's experience and understanding, you can make sure that more customers and service users successfully engage with eye health services, comply with treatment and ultimately reduce blindness."
Pilots
The charity's CEPs are also piloting interventions to understand what models can help increase uptake of eye care services and treatment. For example, having the eye check process explained in a wider health context rather than just purchasing glasses.
Dr Kamlesh Chauhan, President of The College of Optometrists, supports the findings of the research. He said: "We want everyone to see as clearly as possible; optometrists are the eye health professionals in the community who can help the public do this.
"For many sight threatening conditions early intervention is very important. People over the age of 60 from certain ethnic groups or with a family history of certain types of eye disease may be more at risk and should see their optometrist on a regular basis."
RNIB has produced research-based guidance introducing optometrists to our work in preventing avoidable sight loss. Visit rnib.org.uk/healthprofessionals to download the guide and to access the full research findings.
Ends
Media enquiries
For more information please contact Lucy Stanyer in RNIB's Public Relations Team on 020 7391 2223, email lucy.stanyer@rnib.org.uk
To catch our media releases as they arrive you can follow RNIB Media on Twitter @RNIB_Media
Notes to editors
Images and graphics from the video are available for print and online use.
Spokespeople are available.
The research was conducted by Shared Intelligence to explore the barriers and enablers that affect access to primary and secondary eyecare services across the UK.
Although sight loss can affect anyone at any time, several groups are at an increased risk of losing their sight unnecessarily. South Asian communities have an increased risk of diabetes and consequently diabetic eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, and African and African-Caribbean people have an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
In addition, people living in socio-economic deprivation are less likely to access primary eye care services and are therefore at a greater risk of avoidable sight loss.
About RNIB
Every day around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around 2 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk