Lack of low vision awareness highlighted by ABDO

A knowledge gap about low vision has been highlighted by new research by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

The data showed as many as nine in every 10 people over 40 were not aware of the help available for people suffering from low vision and 60% believed the condition could sometimes be improved with glasses or contact lenses, in stark contrast to the NHS definition of low vision stating this was not the case.

Worryingly, despite low vision affecting one in five over 75s, an additional 60% didn’t know that they could get help from a registered dispensing optician. Equally concerning was the 44% of all those surveyed that said they would not seek professional medical help if they were experiencing ongoing problems with their vision.