Charity launches sight loss survey

Fight for Sight is launching an online survey to gather broader insights into the personal impact of sight loss and eye conditions.

The charity is inviting those affected by sight loss – either personally or indirectly via someone they care for – to participate in the survey and strengthen the case for urgently needed eye research funding.

The survey comes in response to findings that sight loss costs the UK over £28bn each year, yet only one per cent of funding for public services is spent on eye research. This equates to just £20 for each person living with sight loss.

Fight for Sight believes that despite the evidence, the scale of this growing health challenge is not being taken seriously. Determined to change this and to build a case for more eye research funding, Fight for Sight is seeking the input of those affected by sight loss to demonstrate its impact and to secure more funding for pioneering eye research.

Fight for Sight’s chief executive, Sherine Krause, said: “In launching this survey, we hope to gather some valuable insights into the impact sight loss can have on those living with it. Unfortunately, sight loss is viewed by many people as inevitable. But we know its impact – for many people – can be devastating, from both a personal and financial perspective.

“We’re determined to build a case to demonstrate this, in order to be able to fund life-changing research. Fight for Sight’s pioneering research has already led to transformational treatments and our science is on the verge of future cures. With more funding, we hope to radically reshape the future for everyone affected by sight loss.”

Participation in the survey involves a short 15-minute phone interview or online survey in which respondents share information and answer questions on how living with sight loss or an eye condition impacts their life or that of the person they care for.

Interested participants should fill in a short questionnaire to register their interest in taking part here, which takes less than five minutes to complete, or call 020 7264 3900.

When the full 15-minute survey is launched in early 2020, those who have registered their interest will be contacted and invited to take part in a 15-minute online survey.