1210 PROVISION OF EYE CARE SERVICES AND INTERVENTIONS IN CARE HOMES - A NARRATIVE SYNTHESIS REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of eye disease and visual impairment in care home residents is disproportionately higher compared to the general population. Access to eye care services and treatment can be variable for this vulnerable population. Objective This narrative synthesis reviews the available evidence of services and interventions for delivering eye care to care home residents. The key review questions: Methods Literature search of EMBASE/MEDLINE for original papers published since 1995. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts/papers. Data was extracted and evaluated using narrative synthesis. Results 13 original papers met the inclusion criteria. On-site optometrist-led services improved diagnosis and management of eye conditions, with one study showing 53% of residents benefited from direct ophthalmology intervention. Provision of interventions such as cataract surgery, refractive error correction and low vision rehabilitation improved visual acuity and vision-related quality of life but did not improve cognitive or physical function, depression or health-related quality of life. There was little UK-based literature to inform eye service design or interventions to improve outcomes. Conclusion Care home-based eye assessments improve the management of eye conditions. Interventions improve visual acuity and vision-related quality of life. Further research and/or clinical service scoping is needed to better understand current UK services, access difficulties or examples of good practice as well as to identify and test cost-effective service models for this vulnerable group.