How can care homes “Look Out” for eye health?

September 2013

Interactive workshops could be the key to delivering sight loss training for staff in care homes, following a successful pilot programme rolled out by Thomas Pocklington Trust. Dedicated Sight Loss Ambassadors trialed the workshops in six care homes around the UK, with more than 90 per cent of participants reporting a better understanding of common eye problems and a greater appreciation of the importance of sight loss.

Key Facts:

• Approximately half a million people live in 18,000 care homes in the UK. RNIB estimates that 50% of them have undetected sight loss – much of which could be prevented or corrected if residents had regular access to proper eye tests.
• The majority of care home staff are unable to identify and respond to eye problems occurring among residents.
• The format of the workshop and its delivery by an external ambassador was deemed a success, though would prove logistically and financially challenging to role out to all 18,000 care homes across the UK.
• Knowledge of eye conditions and general eye health increased dramatically among care home staff that participated in the workshop.

How can this research help?

This research indicates that a good way to apply change to care homes is through staff participation in group exercises. This delivery method can expedite policy changes, and encourage a quicker adoption among care-givers.

Links: 

Research Discussion Paper: How can care homes “Look Out” for eye health? – PDF version.