Ethnic groups unaware of greater disease risk

Many people of Asian and African-Caribbean origin are unaware of their greater risk of eye disease than those of white origin and also place less importance on their sight.

According to the College of Optometrists' report Britain's Eye Health in Focus there are clear differences in attitudes to vision and eye care among different ethnic groups. Despite those of African-Caribbean origin being at greater risk of developing glaucoma and those of south Asian origin being more susceptible to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, this is not widely understood by those groups.

Overall 44 per cent agree that some ethnic groups are at greater risk of eye disease, but the report shows that 65 per cent of whites, 45 per cent of Asians and 46 per cent of African-Caribbeans do not consider themselves to be at any greater risk of eye disease than the population at large.