As the population ages, the demand for ear and eye care is increasing, putting undue pressure on health services, especially GPs, A&E and secondary care in hospitals – all services which are already challenged.
Healthcare professionals are concerned about the impact this is having as people are struggling to get access to the care they need.
Specsavers Access to Care report identifies key areas of opportunity for policy makers to reduce pressure on health services by making more effective use of existing primary care services in the community to help prevent avoidable hearing and sight loss and increasing access to care for vulnerable groups.
Poor sight and hearing are associated with a multitude of additional issues such as social isolation and loneliness which in turn lead to other damaging health conditions, including clinical depression, diabetes, dementia and stroke. These conditions not only affect someone’s health but their enjoyment and quality of life.
Seamless working between hearing and eye care in the community and hospital-based services is the only way we can stop long waiting lists and protect the sight and hearing of our nation.
This report highlights examples that draw on the resources that already exist throughout our healthcare system and the voluntary sector. They deliver better choice for people to help them manage their own care and release capacity in the health service where it is desperately needed.
Some people, particularly those who are disadvantaged and marginalised, face unnecessary barriers to healthcare. Achieving the best outcomes and quality of life for people must include equitable access to health care for all.
‘Specsavers is here for everyone – we just haven’t seen them all yet’
Dame Mary Perkins, Specsavers co-founder
Childhood myopia is increasing
Research shows that children are twice as likely to experience myopia now than 50 years ago. This could be linked to our lifestyle changes – using screens more and going outside less.
Myopia can impact on a child’s development, their access to education and their quality of life. Community optometrists can prescribe myopia management glasses and contact lenses that can slow down the progression of myopia.
Specsavers recommends that children have their eyes tested regularly, from a very young age, to make sure their eyes remain healthy during this important developmental stage and our expert clinicians are trained to make tailored recommendations so children and their parents can select the right solution for them.
Access to care for people in care homes and those unable to leave their home
Hearing and vision loss in older people has been proven to affect physical and mental health and increase the speed of cognitive decline.
Maintaining vision and eye health is an essential part of residential care especially because of the link between poor eye health and falls.
In the last 12 months Specsavers Home Visits service has visited almost 175,000 people to provide sight tests in their own home, including almost 20,000 people living in care homes.
Linda’s story
‘My poor eyesight was having a significant impact on my day-to-day life. I was struggling to focus clearly on my family and friends, and on my favourite activities.
'As I have Parkinson’s Disease my mobility has decreased so being able to catch up with loved ones, read, and do quizzes is more important than ever so I asked for a home eye test. I now have lovely new glasses.
'As I retired nurse, I know the significance that good eye health has on maintaining as much independence as possible so home eye tests really are essential for people who can’t access them on the high street.’
People experiencing homelessness
Specsavers is working with Expert Focus and a group of people with lived experience of homelessness to help us improve existing services and identify new and better ways to meet people’s needs.
Greta’s story
‘When I was homeless I was dealing with a lot of different problems. An eye test was not a priority, it’s not accessible. You’re asked for a lot of stuff straight away, like personal information, and you might not have it, so you feel you need to leave.
'Not being able to access eye care and glasses often leads to further health problems, keeping people out of work and in a cycle of poverty.
'Now, the moment I wake up in the morning I put my glasses on – these are essential for me and it’s essential for all people to have access to them.’ Greta Gillett, Expert focus
Read the full report
If you’d like to read the full report, you can download it here