A LOCAL home-visits optometrist is appealing for people to check on their older friends and neighbours across London this winter.
With half a million older people going at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone , and more than half of over 85s living alone , the hazards caused by colder weather and darker evenings can pose a serious risk.
Preetam Meghani, Ophthalmic Director, London Domiciliary Partner says: ‘We often visit older people during out weekly appointments, so we are really conscious that we might be the only people they see that week. We try to spend as much time with them as we can, but we know there is only so much we can do – so all of us keeping an eye on their friends and neighbours this winter really matters.’
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), more than 6,000 people die in accidents in the home each year – and 2.7 million seek emergency treatment at A&E departments. The home is in fact the most common place for an accident to happen, and more incidents take place in the living room than anywhere else in the house.
With falls from an accident responsible for 80% of hospital admissions in over 65s, keeping the eyes in tip top condition in later life really matters.
Getting an eye test every two years can help make sure that people have the right prescription to maintain good vision and balance, but can also help detect eye conditions – and general medical conditions – that may require further treatment.
The Specsavers Home Visits team across the London region carry out comprehensive free eye tests in the home for people who qualify for an NHS-funded eye test and are unable to leave their house unaccompanied due to a physical or mental illness or disability. The team also carry out tests in residential and care homes.
One particular patient of the Home Visits London team, Brian Brassington said; ‘I am delighted that I was able to have my bi-annual eye test in the comfort of my own home.’ In his late 70’s, Mr Brassington isn’t quite as mobile as he used to be, relying on a mobility scooter to get around as a result of a respiratory condition that affects his breathing, so it was incredibly helpful to have Specsavers visit him.
Not realising that his eye sight had deteriorated since his last eye test, Mr Brassington revealed that he was playing pool with his son one night, when it became apparent that he wasn’t able to see a couple of the balls so well, in fact his son commented that he should go to Specsavers and get his eyes tested, which he did!
Mr Meghani said: ‘We are so pleased that our Home Visits team are able to meet with patients and customers in their own homes, this is much more convenient and relaxing for them too. Eye tests are incredibly important, as they can show the general health condition of the individual, and can also reveal potential underlying health issues, so keeping that appointment is key.’
Continuing Mr Meghani commented; ‘We know that older people are generally more likely to feel isolated than younger people, and visual problems can exacerbate this, so if you know someone who is housebound and would benefit from an at-home eye test, please get in touch with us.’
