The British and Irish Orthoptic Journal · 2 authors, 2 centres
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This scoping review synthesized UK-specific literature on socioeconomic disadvantage and ophthalmic/orthoptic conditions and their treatment outcomes. The review found evidence of socioeconomic disadvantage being associated with reduced visual acuity, reduced screening attendance, and delayed presentation across several eye conditions, though evidence for some conditions such as AMD was mixed.
This scoping review searched Google Scholar and the University of Liverpool library catalogue using keywords related to ophthalmic and orthoptic conditions, socioeconomic deprivation, and treatment outcomes. Results were limited to full papers specific to the UK and written in English, with pre-2000 literature included only if more recent evidence was insufficient. The review found evidence that socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with reduced visual acuity, reduced attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening, and delayed presentation of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Evidence linking socioeconomic disadvantage to AMD was mixed. The authors concluded that health inequalities exist within ophthalmology and orthoptics but noted that further research is needed to explore the reasons behind them and identify methods of reducing them.
