Eye health (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)

In 2014 there were 380 people registered as blind among the South Tyneside population[1] (0.51% of the total population compared to 0.49% in the North East and 0.53% across England). There were also 435 people registered as visually impaired (0.58% of the total population compared to 0.64% in the North East and 0.54% across England). However the total number experiencing some degree of sight loss is higher and is estimated by the RNIB to be 5,240 in South Tyneside in 2015, increasing by 10% to 5,740 in 2020 and by 32% to 6,900 by 2030[2]. This represents 3.5% of the population currently, rising to 4.5% in 2030. It is estimated that there are 56 children 0-16 years and 35 young people 17 - 25 years either blind or partially sighted[3]. In 2015 there were 28 pupils in South Tyneside schools with Special Educational Needs where the primary need was a visual impairment[4].

Table 1 below estimates the total number of people in the South Tyneside population living with more common long-term eye conditions and risk factors and projects the same numbers forward to the year 2020

Table 1. Estimated numbers living with specific eye conditions in South Tyneside (source: RNIB Sight Loss Data Tool v2.2, 2015)

Key data from the RNIB sight loss data tool estimate that in South Tyneside:

• There are 1,026 people of working age living with some degree of sight loss.
• 240 people of working age are registered blind or partially sighted.
• 220 blind and partially sighted people claimed Disability Living Allowance in 2013/14
• Since 2012 / 13, the number of people with a visual impairment that received adult social care went down by 41% . This compares to a 6% reduction across England
• 550 people over the age of 65 are registered blind or partially sighted.
• 344 people have dementia and significant sight loss
• 979 people are living with a degree of dual sensory loss, in 323 of whom it is severe
• 626 people with sight loss who are aged over 65 experience a fall each year. 49 of these cases result in a hospital admission.
• National data estimate that only one in four blind and partially sighted people of working age are in employment
• Given the projected rise in the prevalence of these conditions, and also the emergence of new treatment options, there is likely to be significant pressure on services by 2020.