Health inequalities are defined as differences in health outcomes or health status between groups of people that are unjust, avoidable and unfair.
Despite efforts at local and national levels health inequalities still exist especially in relation to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, two conditions that can have negative impacts on the eyes, as well as cancer and mental health.
There are a variety of social detriments that can contribute to health inequality in the United Kingdom, predominantly:
POVERTY: People living in poverty or on low incomes are more likely to experience poor nutrition, inadequate housing and limited access to health care. They are also statistically more likely to smoke, drink to excess and experience problems with substance misuse.
EDUCATION: People with lower level of education also experience poorer health outcomes due to a limited access to information. Poor education also limits access to employment and poor social mobility.
HOUSING: Poor housing conditions such as overcrowding, dampness and a lack of heating can impact chronic health conditions.
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE: In poorer areas there is often limited access to health care, this is due to a multitude of factors including cultural and language barriers. With the shift to a more digital health care model this will also impact peoples ability to access health care.
Ophthalmology nurses are in a key position to support their patients and help them understand their conditions. including teaching drop techniques to glaucoma patients, discussing diabetes control, signposting patients to Eye Care Liaison Officer/ECLO services and support groups and emphasising the importance of attending appointments because even if you think your eyesight is good we want it to stay that way.
One thing that worries me though is the shift to more digital technologies. An assumption is made that everyone can access smart phones or email. For our more elderly patients especially in my area this is not the case. This then leaves them reliant on family to deal with appointments limiting their independence.
And what about those patients who don't have family members who can step in and do this? What about those patients who don't read English or can't read? Those who are poorly sighted and struggle to read?
Until there is a system that can send letters to patients in their own languages or braille or that can highlight patients who need to be told their appointments verbally there will always be health inequality.
