College issues advice on falls

Falls are estimated to cost the NHS around £2.3bn a year, according to a new review, The Importance of Vision in Preventing Falls, published by the College of Optometrists and British Geriatrics Society.

The joint publication, which marks Falls Awareness Week, highlights that much can be done to prevent the risk of falls, the leading cause of disability and death from injury in people over 75 in the UK. Both central and peripheral visual impairment have been linked to falls and hip fractures.

College president Dr Cindy Tromans said: 'As well as the pain and distress caused by falls in older people, treating falls is expensive. I hope that by working together we can raise awareness of the link between vision and falls to reduce the risk of people falling.'