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Support for Older People With Vision Impairment: A Rapid Realist Review
,
Mark Davies ,
Carolyn Wallace ,
Pippa Anderson ,
Mari Jones ,
Bablin Molik,
Rachel V North ,
Barbara Ryan ,
Fiona Verity ,
Jennifer H Acton
Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics
Swansea University Authors:
Pippa Anderson , Mari Jones
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© The Author(s) 2026. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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DOI (Published version): 10.1007/s44402-026-00125-0
Abstract
Vision impairment among older adults is a significant public health issue impacting their physical and mental health and overall quality of life. However, access and navigation of support services are inconsistent and lacking. Recognising the need to gain insight to improve access to services in thi...
| Published in: | Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics |
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| ISSN: | 1475-1313 |
| Published: |
Springer Nature
2026
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa72173 |
| Abstract: |
Vision impairment among older adults is a significant public health issue impacting their physical and mental health and overall quality of life. However, access and navigation of support services are inconsistent and lacking. Recognising the need to gain insight to improve access to services in this population, this review aimed to understand how, why, for whom, to what extent and in what context the provisions for care and support for older people with vision impairment worked. A rapid Realist review was undertaken. Six databases (Cinahl, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts and Sociology Collection) were searched. The review followed the RAMESES Quality Standards for Realist Synthesis and retrieved documents were screened systematically to identify relevant papers. The papers were analysed through iterative and simultaneous use of coding, consolidating and conceptual mapping process to develop a Realist programme theory. Project Advisory Group members contributed to the processes. The Realist review was conducted from July 2023 to July 2024. Ninety-one documents were reviewed and analysed. Novel insights into the provisions of care and support for older people with vision impairment were presented through seven interconnected components: Developing condition literacy, acceptance of the condition and readiness for help, timeliness, access to services, relationships, positive care trajectory and professional knowledge. All contributed to the development of the Programme Theory. The Programme Theory explained why and for whom the services worked, while limited information was found in terms of how and when the services were accessed. The key components identified around the Programme Theory were complex and interconnected in nature, underscoring the importance of a systems approach to effective service provision for older adults with vision impairment. Literature gaps were identified for further exploration in a Realist evaluation. |
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| Keywords: |
Aged; Eye; Public health; Realist synthesis; Social support; Vision loss; Visual impairment |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
The study was funded by Health and Care Research Wales (SCG-21-1829). Additionally, JA, BR, PA, BM, MD, MJ, RN and CW are supported by Health and Care Research Wales Infrastructure funding for the Centre for Vision Services Research. |