Innovation in Vision Research
As the standard of medical care improves, and the average lifespan increases, the impact of vision impairment on society will grow. To address this growing issue, suitable supports for those impacted are required. Low vision services that aim to improve functional ability, quality of life and psychosocial status in those with visual impairment are required. Low vision services should enable people with loss of vision to regain or maintain as much independence and autonomy as possible, and can include rehabilitation, visual aids, emotional support and advice.
Low vision impacts on every part of a person’s life. It is associated with falls, reduced capacity to carry out everyday activities, the need for residential care and is one of the strongest risk factors for functional status decline in community living adults. Evidence suggests that low vision services significantly reduce visual disability and are associated with positive patient outcomes. Furthermore, for the relatively small costs of low vision aids, there can be huge cost saving in terms of health and social care support.
