New report shows contrast between beliefs and knowledge about vision health

CNIB releases National Vision Health Report for Vision Health Month 2015

TORONTO, May 7, 2015 /CNW/ - A new report shows an unhealthy dichotomy between Canadians' strong belief in the importance of vision health, and what they actually know and do about it. While almost all Canadians believe in the importance of maintaining vision health, many don't have basic knowledge about how to prevent vision loss and are not taking action to save their sight.

The National Vision Health Report, commissioned by CNIB for Vision Health Month 2015, explores public knowledge, behaviours and opinions relating to vision health. The survey is the first of its kind in Canada, and has identified gaps in Canadians' knowledge as it relates to vision health and vision loss, and presents an unexpected contrast between our beliefs and our behaviours.

"There are an estimated 5.5 million Canadians living with a vision-threatening eye disease, and many more at risk" said John M. Rafferty, President and CEO, CNIB. "This report shows they may not be doing all they can to save their sight."

The report shows Canadians value the importance of vision health maintenance:

• 92 per cent of respondents believe that eye exams are an important part of their overall health maintenance.
• Preventing vision loss places third in terms of priorities for maintaining overall health, behind only heart health and weight management.
• 82 per cent of Canadians said they teach their children about the importance of regular eye exams.

However, despite their commitment to vision health, there is a dichotomy between their beliefs and their knowledge and behaviours.  

• Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of Canadians say they have not had their eyes examined in the last two years.
• Only 47 per cent of Canadians are aware of whether or not their family has a history of eye disease, meaning more than half aren't aware of potential hereditary risks for conditions like glaucoma.
• 40 per cent of respondents had no awareness of the most common eye disease causing vision loss, age-related macular degeneration.
• 15 per cent of Canadians cannot remember when their child's last eye exam occurred.

The survey also addresses the social stigma toward people with vision loss. While one in three Canadians indicate that they know someone who is blind or partially sighted, 69 per cent agreed there is a general stigma toward people with vision loss. In addition, Canadians felt that if they lost their sight, they would lose their independence (87 per cent) and self-confidence (83 per cent), which points to the need to increase knowledge not just about vision health, but about resources available to Canadians losing their vision including post-vision loss rehabilitation therapy.

These gaps have prompted the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, the Canadian Association of Optometrists, the Opticians Association of Canada, and community organizations to come together with CNIB to ensure that every Canadian receives high-quality, seamless care when it comes to their eyes. This commitment is symbolized by today's signing of the  Canadian Patient Charter for Vision Care at an event in Toronto. This is the first time CNIB and Canada's leaders in vision health have come together to make a shared commitment to providing optimal patient-centered care across all stages of the vision loss journey – from prevention to diagnosis to treatment and post-vision loss rehabilitation therapy.

"It is incumbent on all members of the eye health and vision care community to come together and do better," said Rafferty. "This Vision Health Month, we're taking the first step toward that goal."

Visit cnib.ca/visionhealthmonth for more information.

CNIB acknowledges funding support for the National Vision Health Report from Bayer, Bausch + Lomb, Novartis and Alcon.

About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. For more information, visit cnib.ca.

About Vision Health Month
Vision Health Month is a national awareness campaign designed to educate Canadians about their vision health and eliminate avoidable sight loss across the country.

SOURCE CNIB

Video with caption: "Video: A patient’s right to seamless vision health care". Video available at: https://youtu.be/WHSHKXcZWGg

Image with caption: "Infographic: Open your eyes to vision health (CNW Group/CNIB)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150507_C4964_PHOTO_EN_16346.jpg

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