An ARU professor says more needs to be done to prevent sight and hearing loss becoming severe
It's after a new study from the University found one in four over-50s has vision impairment
One in four over-50s has vision impairment and three quarters have some hearing loss according to a new study in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
These figures are deeply concerning
New research involving eye tests and hearing examinations with more than 500 over-50’s – the first of its kind in the UK – has revealed widespread and largely undetected sensory health issues, prompting urgent calls for funding for a wider study into the nation’s eye health and hearing.
The pilot UK National Eye Health and Hearing Study (UKNEHS) found that a quarter of adults aged 50 and over had vision impairment in at least one eye, 76% had hearing loss and 81% of participants had never undergone a hearing test.
Researchers also found that 36% of people with glaucoma were unaware of their diagnosis.
The study first tested vision and hearing loss among residents of care homes. In the second phase, people over the age of 50 in randomly selected postcodes across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were invited to be tested.
Sensory health is being overlooked
Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and principal investigator of the study, said:
“These figures are deeply concerning. They show that sensory health is being overlooked, even among high-risk groups. We are missing critical opportunities to prevent avoidable sight and hearing loss.”
Sensory loss is estimated to cost the UK £58 billion annually, through lost productivity, increased care needs, and mental health consequences.
Michael Bowen, Director of Knowledge and Research at The College of Optometrists, said:
“The study’s findings highlight how many people are not attending for regular eye tests, where these eye conditions would be picked up, even though the over 60s are eligible for free NHS eye tests across the UK."