A Specsavers study found that 51% of people who said they have poor vision have felt lonely during the pandemic compared to 38% of people who said they have good vision.
It revealed that 43% of those who are shielding have felt lonely at least some of the time, with those over 65 years old more susceptible to loneliness.
The survey of 2,330 people in the UK was carried out as part of the multiple’s activity to support Loneliness Awareness Week (June 15–19).
As well as the study, the multiple highlighted that its domiciliary team has made care calls to thousands of vulnerable patients during lockdown.
Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, said: ‘We have a responsibility to our more vulnerable customers to do what we can to make contact, in a safe way, particularly if they are self-isolating. That’s why we decided to call this group of customers to simply check in. Were they ok and could we help?’