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The
number of people that will experience some form of sight loss is set to double between now and 2050. Many doubt the capacity of the healthcare system to manage this surge in demand. Yet there does not seem to be any sense of crisis or urgency. Why is this? This report aims to do several things: highlight and explain potentially under-researched and underfunded issues in
visual impairment; add to the debate surrounding visual impairment and draw out key themes; identify what works to tackle problems; and identify gaps in funding and opportunities for funders.
For
blind and partially sighted people, travelling independently is a critical factor to improve their quality of life and to achieve a sense of autonomy. However, with a wide breadth of accessibility issues, using public
transport can prove to be a daunting experience for people with sight loss.
Description
, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments for inherited retinal dystrohies.
There
are only 1.97 consultant
ophthalmologists per 100,000 population in Wales, falling far below the recommended 3 per 100,000. Wales still lacks a fully functioning electronic patient record and
referral system, and many eye care facilities are outdated and unsafe, with reports of leaking roofs and broken equipment causing treatment delays.
