Eye health (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)

At-risk populations

• The growing elderly population are by far and away at greatest risk of eye disease. For example, age-related macular degeneration alone accounts for almost half of diagnosed eye disease in South Tyneside.
• Smokers (around 19% of the adult population) are at increased risk of eye disease.
• People with a learning disability are also five times more likely than the general population to have an eye condition.
• In general, people who have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease are also likely to be at higher risk of eye problems as a result of hypertension, vascular degeneration and higher incidence of diabetes.

Current provision versus need

• Demand on eye care services is already rising and will continue to do so with the ageing population. Although use of outpatient services reduced slightly between 10 / 11 and 14 / 15, admissions for eye care increased by 42% over the same period.
• In particular, the number of admissions for age-related macular degeneration increased by 62%
• Uptake of sight tests overall, and in those aged over 60 is significantly lower than both the North East and England. In the under-16 age range it is significantly lower than England, and lower than the North East, although the latter doesn't reach statistical significance. This is of concern since sight tests are an important part of both primary prevention and early diagnosis treatment and secondary prevention.
• Secondary care services are of high quality and are very highly rated by both patients and referring clinicians, but many South Tyneside patients experience significant difficulty accessing Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
• There is strong support from service users, GPs and optometrists for more local provision of services, including the commissioning of a community-based minor eye care service.
• There is evidence within the EHNA report of a demand for greater community-based low vision service for South Tyneside.
• Diabetic Eye Services appear to be highly regarded, in particular the provision of a "one-stop" clinic where all annual care is provided in one appointment. Uptake of Diabetic Eye Screening is above acceptable levels and among the highest in the region.
• Rehabilitation and re-ablement services currently provided by Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) and by Sight Service are highly regarded by service users. However, many people have indicated that they feel there should be greater provision.
• Given the local demographic trends, prevalence of risk factors and limited uptake of eye tests, there needs to be a strong focus on prevention in the borough.

How well are assets being used to meet current needs?

This area needs systematic evaluation.

Are population needs likely to be met in the future?

It is projected that there will be a substantial rise in the number of people with visual impairment in South Tyneside - see section 2 below. In addition, the availability of new treatment options is likely to increase pressure on services. The capacity of the system to meet this increased demand, given the current fiscal pressures, must be in doubt.

If there are many concerns, which are the most important to address?

• Prevention is the biggest priority
• Accessibility of services, particularly in secondary care
• Minor Eye Care service provision was identified as a priority in itself and a potential way of reducing pressure on secondary care
• Mental and emotional wellbeing of people with impaired vision and their relatives