75-80% of blindness is preventable

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has highlighted the need for increased early detection and intervention of blindness and eye diseases in Ireland. Deputy Mitchell O’Connor made her comments as she launched a key report for the National Vision Coalition entitled, Economic Cost and Burden of Eye Diseases and Preventable Blindness in Ireland in Dublin today. The National Vision Coalition represents the interests of the vision impaired and blind community.

The National Vision Coalition’s report draws on a study carried by Deloitte Consulting on the economic impact of four eye diseases and blindness in sixteen countries including Ireland. Blindness and vision impairment costs the State an estimated €205 million per year.

“The human impact of blindness is hugely significant and in many cases, it is avoidable. It is estimated that 75-80% of blindness is preventable. Blind people often say that they feel invisible within society.

“There is a very strong case for investing in blindness prevention. Blindness and vision impairment caused by the four main eye diseases is costing the state €205 million per annum, but investment in cost-effective interventions could save up to €76 million per annum.

“Five people go blind every week in Ireland and more than 220,000 people in Ireland are blind or vision impaired. And with our ageing population this number is expected to increase by a fifth by 2020. Cataract, glaucoma and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the main impairments being dealt with in Ireland today.

“With modern technology, around 75% of blindness is avoidable using cost-effective interventions. Detecting eye disease early can prevent blindness, thereby averting disability burden. I support the call for the implementation of a national vision strategy to address blindness and vision impairment and help reduce its human, societal and economic impact.

“I would like to congratulate the National Council for the Blind in Ireland, Irish Guide Dogs, Fighting Blindness and other groups supporting people with sight loss for the wonderful work they are doing.”