Menu
04/08/2003
Treating eye diseases earlier could save billions, says report
Screening programmes to detect eye diseases early on would not only save sight but could also save billions of pounds each year, according to a report from a leading charity.
The 'cost of blindness' report, published today by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, has revealed that in terms of lack of productivity, treatment and resources for blind people the bill could top £8.8 billion each year.
The report highlights conditions where early screening, detection and treatment would be beneficial. For example, the total (direct and indirect) costs of glaucoma are up to £38 billion each year – but if only 10% of those with glaucoma received treatment to arrest its development up to £1 billion a year in indirect costs to the government could be saved. Similarly, screening that reduced the prevalence of cataracts by 10% (20% in the elderly) could save up to £4.3 billion annually.
Robin Hutchinson, Head of Communications and Campaigns for Guide Dogs, said: “This report is just the first step towards a greater understanding of the cost to patients, their families and the government.
"Early detection of many eye diseases can prevent or minimise sight loss. We want to highlight to the government not only how they could save substantial amounts of money by investing in early intervention, but also could help save the sight of thousands of people.”
(GMcG)
The 'cost of blindness' report, published today by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, has revealed that in terms of lack of productivity, treatment and resources for blind people the bill could top £8.8 billion each year.
The report highlights conditions where early screening, detection and treatment would be beneficial. For example, the total (direct and indirect) costs of glaucoma are up to £38 billion each year – but if only 10% of those with glaucoma received treatment to arrest its development up to £1 billion a year in indirect costs to the government could be saved. Similarly, screening that reduced the prevalence of cataracts by 10% (20% in the elderly) could save up to £4.3 billion annually.
Robin Hutchinson, Head of Communications and Campaigns for Guide Dogs, said: “This report is just the first step towards a greater understanding of the cost to patients, their families and the government.
"Early detection of many eye diseases can prevent or minimise sight loss. We want to highlight to the government not only how they could save substantial amounts of money by investing in early intervention, but also could help save the sight of thousands of people.”
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 January 2013
Paperless NHS 'Could Save Billions'
A paperless NHS could save billions of pounds a year, a report has suggested. The report by PwC has lead to health secretary Jeremy Hunt to say he wants the NHS to be paperless by 2018. In a speech to the think tank Policy Exchange, Mr Hunt will say a first step is to give people online access to their health records by March 2015.
Paperless NHS 'Could Save Billions'
A paperless NHS could save billions of pounds a year, a report has suggested. The report by PwC has lead to health secretary Jeremy Hunt to say he wants the NHS to be paperless by 2018. In a speech to the think tank Policy Exchange, Mr Hunt will say a first step is to give people online access to their health records by March 2015.
09 July 2003
Construction programme could save billions for businesses
The construction industry could benefit by billions of pounds by following the principles of the Rethinking Construction programme, a new report published today has claimed. Launching 'Demonstrating Success through Rethinking Construction', trade minister Nigel Griffiths urged more firms in the industry to adopt the agenda behind the initiative.
Construction programme could save billions for businesses
The construction industry could benefit by billions of pounds by following the principles of the Rethinking Construction programme, a new report published today has claimed. Launching 'Demonstrating Success through Rethinking Construction', trade minister Nigel Griffiths urged more firms in the industry to adopt the agenda behind the initiative.
15 September 2004
Billions lost through over 50s unemployment, says audit report
Relatively low levels of employment among older workers costs the economy £19 to £31 billion a year in lost output, reduced taxes and increased welfare payments, according to the National Audit Office. In its latest report, the office said that around 2.7 million people between 50 and state pension age do not work.
Billions lost through over 50s unemployment, says audit report
Relatively low levels of employment among older workers costs the economy £19 to £31 billion a year in lost output, reduced taxes and increased welfare payments, according to the National Audit Office. In its latest report, the office said that around 2.7 million people between 50 and state pension age do not work.
17 September 2013
Report Finds 'Missed Chances' To Save Daniel Pelka
A report on the death of four-year-old Daniel Pelka has found that "no professional tried sufficiently hard enough" as the child suffered "terrifying and dreadful" abuse by his mother and step-father. Daniel died in March 2012 after suffering months of being beaten and starved.
Report Finds 'Missed Chances' To Save Daniel Pelka
A report on the death of four-year-old Daniel Pelka has found that "no professional tried sufficiently hard enough" as the child suffered "terrifying and dreadful" abuse by his mother and step-father. Daniel died in March 2012 after suffering months of being beaten and starved.
21 July 2010
Police Cuts 'Could Affect Fight Against Crime'
Large cuts to police budgets could seriously affect the ability of forces in England and Wales to fight crime, the Chief Inspector of Constabulary has warned. A new report, Valuing the Police, showed that only 11% of the police are visibly available to the public, despite year-on-year increases to budgets for the last 40 years.
Police Cuts 'Could Affect Fight Against Crime'
Large cuts to police budgets could seriously affect the ability of forces in England and Wales to fight crime, the Chief Inspector of Constabulary has warned. A new report, Valuing the Police, showed that only 11% of the police are visibly available to the public, despite year-on-year increases to budgets for the last 40 years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
