Untreated visual impairment is common in elderly people

Untreated visual impairment is common in elderly people

Data on the prevalence of eye disease in Britain are scarce, but on p 1643 Reidy et al report results of a study of over 1500people aged 65 years or more in north London. Bilateral cataractsimpaired vision in nearly a third of those examined yet was notlisted for treatment. In many people, impaired vision in botheyes could be treated with correct spectacles.

Outpatients like being followed up by telephone

Patients attending rheumatology outpatient clinics have said that they would be willing to be followed up by telephone. Totest this in practice Pal identified 173 suitable patients froma rheumatology clinic. All but three agreed to telephone followup at their next review (p 1647). During the telephone call theirprogress was discussed, along with any changes in the conditionor treatment, any results, and advice on management. Calls averaged3.5 minutes (range 1-15). Decisions made at the telephone followup were not revised later except in two cases. Twenty patientscould not be contacted at the arranged time; they were phonedlater or sent an appointment. Patients were positive about theservice (90% satisfied or very satisfied).

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Prevalence of serious eye disease and visual impairment in a north London population: population based, cross sectional study: A Reidy, D C Minassian, G Vafidis, J Joseph, S Farrow, J Wu, P Desai, and A Connolly
BMJ 1998 316: 1643-1646. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]