Letter from the College of Optometrists

Source: ProFaNE website

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Date of publication: January 2015

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: This is a letter to the ProFaNE website promoting the joint working of optometrists and falls teams to prevent vision-related falls in their patients. They have a dedicated falls resource page on their website and wish to share information and best practice with colleagues.

Length of publication: 1 page

Falls and vision – a short survey

Source: ProFaNE

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Date of publication: August 2013

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: The College of Optometrists is starting a project to investigate levels of vision-testing within falls services across the UK. It is collecting information to form a picture of how it works at ground level, to act as a basis for recommendations to optometrists and to help identify ways to assist falls teams in checking patients’ vision. There is a questionnaire included.

Length of publication: 1 page

Too many older people falling due to bad eyesight

Source: The College of Optometrists website

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Date of publication: May 2013

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: According to new research published by the College of Optometrists in the run up to Falls Awareness Week (see this bulletin’s last issue), the majority of people are unaware of the link between poor eyesight and falls in older people. Failing eyesight should not be taken as an inevitable consequence of ageing, though there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of vision-related falls. Raising awareness of perks for the elderly such as free eye tests for the over 60s and eye tests at home is essential to reduce the risks of eyesight-related falls.

Length of publication: 1 page