Vision and Functional Capacities of Older People in the Community

Kerry Fitzmaurice, HDTS DipAppSci (Orth)
Hal Kendig, PhD
Rick Osborne, MEd

Population studies indicated that sight loss is a problem of increased incidence for the aged. Previous studies have shown that sight loss can reduce people’s ability to live independently, and that some independence can be regained through effective rehabilitation strategies.
To provide effective rehabilitation an orthoptist must be aware of older persons’ perceptions of their functional capabilities. The data presented in this paper represents selected finding from the Health Status of Older People Project, a socio-medical survey of 1000 older people living in the community. Variables selected for presentation include self-rated eyesight, measured eyesight, perceived ability to perform certain daily tasks and ability to use public transport.
In addition, respondents who reported poor or worse vision were asked to comment on specific aspects of visual function. Analysis indicated good response between self-rated and measured vision. This preliminary analysis of data suggests that a number of areas of daily activity are compromised at least in part due to sight loss.