New data from sight loss charity RNIB is predicting that 8,730 people in Scotland will begin living with sight loss in the next 12 months, with the number of Scots affected set to grow by nearly 21% over the next ten years. The charity is now making a national data tool available to help public services to plan better for more people being affected by sight loss.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB) says there are currently 193,674 people living with sight loss in Scotland that impacts their daily lives.

By 2036, that number is projected to rise to over 234,000 as Scotland's population ages.

The condition responsible for the largest number of cases is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which causes problems with central and detailed vision. People with AMD experience distortion or blurring and, over time, a dark area may appear in the centre of their vision.

The charity says 58,000 people in Scotland are currently living with late-stage AMD.

The numbers come from the RNIB’s Sight Loss Data Tool, which predicts that, in 10 years’ time, this figure will have increased by 29 per cent, to an estimated 74,860 people.

The RNIB’s Sight Loss Data Tool is the UK’s largest collection of eye health and sight loss data, allowing the number of people living with sight loss and specific sight conditions to be estimated effectively. The tool also captures health and social care activity, local area data and factors that increase eye health problems.

The tool has just undergone a refresh to make the platform more accessible for use by local authorities, governments, eye health professionals and the media.

RNIB’s Head of Strategic Research, John Slade is urging people to make use of the data:

“RNIB’s refreshed Sight Loss Data Tool will bring improved access to a whole range of data from across the UK, providing detailed insight into the numbers of people living with sight loss, what eye conditions they’re living with and what risk factors for sight loss diagnosis may be present in an area.

“We’re keen for everyone to make the most of the information available through the Sight Loss Data Tool, with registration to the Tool being open for everyone to use.”

Preventing sight loss

RNIB Scotland is calling on people to attend regular eye tests and seek advice from an eye health professional should they notice any changes to their vision.

James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, says early detection can save people’s sight:

“These figures show that sight loss in Scotland cannot be ignored.

“In many cases, sight loss can be prevented by routine eye tests or if help is sought when changes in vision are investigated quickly. It’s more important than ever that we act now.

“We recommend that everyone goes for their free eye test every two years, or more frequently if you are advised to do so.”

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