Overcoming barriers to routine eye care in dementia
People living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias face barriers to accessing routine eye care, putting them at higher risk of preventable vision loss, according to a new study.
One key barrier is negative experiences during comprehensive eye tests, which involve multiple assessments of visual function and eye health.
The study explored eye test experiences from the perspectives of people with dementia, family carers, and optometrists, aiming to identify ways to improve testing, home self-management of eye problems, and adaptations in optometric practice to accommodate cognitive impairment.
Semi-structured interviews highlighted several key themes: good eyesight remains highly valued by people with dementia; dementia can affect both the eye test experience and adherence to eyecare advice at home; adapting tests and guidance to dementia needs improves outcomes; and dementia-friendly training for optometrists is currently lacking.
The study concludes that providing dementia-specific training for eye care professionals and encouraging patients and carers to declare a dementia diagnosis before appointments could reduce barriers, enhance patient experiences, and support continued vision health, wellbeing, and independence.
Reference
Piano M, Nguyen B, Conrick J, et al. Breaking down barriers to accessing dementia-friendly eyecare. J Alzheimers Dis. 2025;13872877251395222. doi: 10.1177/13872877251395222. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41319336.
