Trust seeks improved dementia patient care

The sight loss charity, Thomas Pocklington Trust has called for practitioners nationwide to become more involved in working with their local care homes in order for patients with dementia and sight loss to receive the correct treatment.

The call came after new research from the University of Bradford and King's College, London showed that sight loss issues in dementia patients are being overlooked by the current models of care. One care home had not had an optometrist visit in over a year, with managers sceptical about the value of eye tests for people with dementia.

Dr Angela McCullagh, research and development director of the charity said: 'We'd like practitioners to be more proactive in working with their local care homes to increase awareness of dementia and sight loss among the front-line care workers. It is important that there are better communication links between practices and care home staff.'