Specsavers has welcomed recognition of the importance eye and ear healthcare for an aging population in chief medical officer for England Chris Whitty’s annual report.
The report noted that early identification of sensory impairment, such as sight or hearing loss, can enable early treatment and prevent negative impacts on older adults’ quality of life.
It cited the importance of free bi-annual sight tests for adults over 60 years in England and Wales to slow, prevent, reduce and even reverse the causes of sight loss.
Specsavers’ clinical services director Giles Edmonds (pictured) said: ‘In community optometry and audiology, we have the skills and expertise to support the NHS in helping the country adapt to the ageing population from community practices to the home visits service.’
Prof Whitty also referenced strong evidence that hearing technology enables most people with hearing loss to stay social active, reduce depression and potentially, the risk of dementia.
Specsavers is calling for a nationally commissioned primary care audiology service after its Access to care report highlighted that only 16 out of 42 integrated care boards commission community audiology for their whole footprint.