Number of older people registered blind falls seven per cent

Figures published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows a fall in the number of people over the age of 75 registered as blind or partially sighted.

Compared to the last report published in 2011 there has been a seven per cent fall in people registered as blind and a five per cent drop in the number of people who are partially sighted.

There are now 17,800 fewer people registered blind In England than in 2003, decreased from 105,700 people to 87,900 people. The number of partially sighted has also dropped by 11 per cent over the same time period.

HSCIC chair Kingsley Manning said: “Today’s report offers a view of the number of sight impaired people registered with councils in England. “It is notable that despite our ageing population, there has been a fall in the numbers of people registered as blind or partially sighted in the 75+ age group. Today’s findings are a useful resource for local councils so that they can provide the relevant services for people with sight difficulties.”

The number of people In England registered blind or partially sighted has dropped in all age ranges from 2011 apart from children under the age of five, where an increase has been reported.

Compared to 2011 data there has been a 17 per cent increase in the number of children under the age of five registered as blind.

New registrations of partially sighted people also rose by three percent from 11,900 to 12,200.

The HSCIC collects analysis and presents national health and social care data for England and publishes the Code of Practice to outline how confidential patient information is handled by health and care staff and organisations.