College of Optometrists encourages regular eye checks to prevent falls in older people

Carers are being urged to ensure older people have regular eye examinations in an attempt to prevent them from falling.

The College of Optometrists made the plea today when it published research revealing that the majority of people are unaware of the link between poor eyesight and falls in the elderly.

Nearly half of those who took part in the survey knew an older person who had fallen, yet less than a third knew poor vision was a cause.

The research also showed that 46 per cent of people were unaware that eye examinations are free for those over the age of 60 and that they can be carried out in their homes or care homes.

According to the College of Optometrists, one in three people aged 65 and over will fall each year as a result of poor vision at an estimated cost to the NHS of £4.6 million a day.

It is now launching a campaign encouraging carers and families of older people to ensure they receive regular eye examinations.

Dr Susan Blakeney, clinical adviser to the College of Optometrists, said: “We are concerned that public awareness of the link between poor vision and falls is so low. Suffering a fall can have an extremely debilitating effect on the quality of an older person’s life and the lives of those around them.

“Being aware of changes in vision is particularly important for those older people at higher risk of falling or who have fallen before.

“If you have recently had a big change to your spectacle prescription, ask your optometrist whether they can give you a compromise prescription to make it easier for you to get used to. You should only wear new spectacles at home until you are used to them.

“If your optometrist has told you that you should wear spectacles for distance, you should keep them on when you are walking outside the home as this could make you less likely to fall.

“Some people are more likely to fall if they walk about wearing bifocals or varifocals, even if they are used to them. So, if you take part in regular outdoor activities it may be best to have a pair of distance spectacles to wear when walking about outdoors or when you are in unfamiliar places.”

The initiative is being backed by Anchor, a large residential care provider. Chief executive Jane Ashcroft said: “We are keen to lend our support to any campaign which encourages greater understanding about what causes falls and how to prevent them.”

Falls Awareness Week takes place between 17 and 21 June.

For more information about eye health, visit www.lookafteryoureyes.org