Lighthouse Guild Says Integrating Vision and Healthcare Services Is Essential for Older Adults

Lighthouse Guild President Alan R. Morse made a presentation at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology's recent annual meeting arguing that the healthcare industry must contend with the social, environmental, and behavioral aspects of functional behavior and well-being pertaining to age-related vision loss, reports PR Newswire . "Because people living with vision loss most often have other health issues, all service providers, including primary care physicians, dentists, podiatrists, physical therapists, and internists have to understand their role in identifying, providing care, and referring patients for specialized services," he said. "Every touchpoint is an opportunity to help those with vision loss." Morse added that the emergence of legal blindness elevates the likelihood of limitations of activities of daily living, while up to 30 percent of those with vision impairment have depression. Morse also noted vision loss is seldom addressed in care plans in hospitals, even though customers with impaired vision are hospitalized longer, experience more problems following discharge, and are less happy with their healthcare in general. He urged more understanding of the importance of vision loss to everyday functioning and well-being to better meet people's requirements.