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04/08/2003
Treating eye diseases earlier could save billions, says report
Screening programmes to detect eye diseases early on would not only save sight but could also save billions of pounds each year, according to a report from a leading charity.
The 'cost of blindness' report, published today by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, has revealed that in terms of lack of productivity, treatment and resources for blind people the bill could top £8.8 billion each year.
The report highlights conditions where early screening, detection and treatment would be beneficial. For example, the total (direct and indirect) costs of glaucoma are up to £38 billion each year – but if only 10% of those with glaucoma received treatment to arrest its development up to £1 billion a year in indirect costs to the government could be saved. Similarly, screening that reduced the prevalence of cataracts by 10% (20% in the elderly) could save up to £4.3 billion annually.
Robin Hutchinson, Head of Communications and Campaigns for Guide Dogs, said: “This report is just the first step towards a greater understanding of the cost to patients, their families and the government.
"Early detection of many eye diseases can prevent or minimise sight loss. We want to highlight to the government not only how they could save substantial amounts of money by investing in early intervention, but also could help save the sight of thousands of people.”
(GMcG)
The 'cost of blindness' report, published today by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, has revealed that in terms of lack of productivity, treatment and resources for blind people the bill could top £8.8 billion each year.
The report highlights conditions where early screening, detection and treatment would be beneficial. For example, the total (direct and indirect) costs of glaucoma are up to £38 billion each year – but if only 10% of those with glaucoma received treatment to arrest its development up to £1 billion a year in indirect costs to the government could be saved. Similarly, screening that reduced the prevalence of cataracts by 10% (20% in the elderly) could save up to £4.3 billion annually.
Robin Hutchinson, Head of Communications and Campaigns for Guide Dogs, said: “This report is just the first step towards a greater understanding of the cost to patients, their families and the government.
"Early detection of many eye diseases can prevent or minimise sight loss. We want to highlight to the government not only how they could save substantial amounts of money by investing in early intervention, but also could help save the sight of thousands of people.”
(GMcG)
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