Loud and clear: deaf awareness in the consulting room

1 February 2024
Winter 2024
Public health Practice

Deaf children and adults can struggle to access eye care and vision correction. Sophie Goodchild explores how deaf awareness training for optometrists – and other practice staff – could make optometry services more equitable.

An estimated 12 million people in the UK are affected by hearing loss, including around 45,000 children (Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), 2023). That is more than one in six of the population and the number is expected to increase to more than 14.5 million by 2031 (Karas and Laud, 2014).

About 365,000 people have some level of combined hearing and sight loss – often described as deafblind or having dual sensory loss – and the majority of these are aged 70 years or older.

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Not already a member of the College?

Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.

benefits of membership

Related further reading

The College and eye care organisations call for standardisation of digital imaging

The standardisation of digital imaging across eye care services will transform efficiencies, accessibility and timely care of patients.

Artificial intelligence (AI) OCT Public health

College welcomes new Government and urges eye health to be prioritised

The College has offered its congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party on their success in the General Election and on forming the next UK government.

Advancing optometry Policy Public health

College urges next government to prioritise eye health

The College of Optometrists is calling on the next Westminster government to establish optometrists as the first port of call for anyone with an eye care issue.

Independent prescribing Policy Public health