Vision care in long-term care facilities: An overlooked need

Background: Vision impairment is one of the leading causes of lost independence among older adults. Estimates indicate that 20 to 50% of older persons have undetected reduced vision, with the majority suffering from treatable vision problems. In Manitoba there are no standards for health care providers with respect to vision care services in long-term care facilities. Methods: A survey was completed by 28 long-term care facilities in one Canadian city to identify the type of vision care services the facility provided. A follow-up telephone interview was conducted for those facilities that indicated they provide some form of vision service. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of vision care services offered in the long-term care facilities in one Canadian city. Results: Only six of the 28 facilities indicated they conducted vision care services upon admission to the facility. However, only one facility actually provided vision screening and treatment services at time of admission and on a regular basis. Conclusions: Vision care has been overlooked in long-term care facilities. There is a lack of policy and consistent service delivery for the prevention and treatment of visual deficits.