May 9, 2011 
A new study reveals that eye tests are often the first to detect chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension…
The US research found that optical professionals detected signs of certain chronic conditions before any other healthcare provider recorded the condition, including 65% of the time for high cholesterol, and 30% of the time for hypertension.
The study was applied to the entire membership of VSP Vision Care – the largest eye care provider in the US who commissioned the study – totalling 56 million people. The following received early treatment for chronic diseases as a result of their eye exam:
- 65% of the 2.2 million members with high cholesterol (1.5 million), resulting in two-year savings of $1.7bn
- 20% of 1.5 million members with diabetes (296,800), resulting in two year savings of $827m
- 30% of 2.2 million members with hypertension (667,800), resulting in two year savings of $2bn.
David Craig, AOP director of operations, said: “As this new study reveals, an eye test can highlight other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and even brain tumours. Sight loss places a large economic cost on the UK, totaling an estimated ?22bn in 2008. We know that more community eye care – which would help ensure that eye conditions are detected and treated early – could reduce the high level of avoidable blindness with considerable cost savings to society.”
Taken from: www.optometry.co.uk