Older Eyes, the new NHS-backed campaign for older people's eye care was launched on 7th December, alongside the optical profession's code of practice for domiciliary eye care.

Run by FODO and AOP and supported by the RNIB, Help The Aged, Age Concern and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Older Eyes is an awareness campaign spearheading the message that domiciliary eye care is essential for anyone unable to visit a high street optician. Government figures state that under 300,000 domiciliary eye tests were carried out last year. With demand at over a million, a massive 700,000 people are going without eye examinations, costing the NHS millions in treating falls and other vision related accidents around the home.

Jim Gee, Chief Executive of the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service, said: "The new codes mean that patients will receive high quality care when and where they need it. Not only will this benefit patients and the optical profession but it illustrates the commitment of FODO and the AOP to cutting fraud in the NHS. Both organisations have provided the NHS CFSMS with a high level of support over the last six years and we look forward to working very closely with them in the future."

The Code of Practice for Domiciliary Eyecare sets out guidelines for the kind of service people can expect, with procedures for follow-ups and ongoing care. Residential homes and carers across the country will, for the first time, have clear guidelines as to what they must demand from optical contractors. The code will be made available to all such institutions and practitioners, even if they do not belong to FODO or AOP.

Gordon Lishman, Director General, Age Concern England said: "This is a very welcome initiative. Many older people who are isolated, or have limited mobility have poor access to services such as eye tests, chiropody and dentistry. This is a positive step to offer increased support to older people most in need."

Anita Lightstone, Head of Low Vision and Eye Health, the RNIB said: "RNIB are pleased that FODO and AOP have produced a code of practice and support this move in developing good domiciliary eye care. Regular sight tests are vital for everyone to help detect eye diseases and especially for older people who are more likely to develop them. This is of course equally important for people who are house-bound and unable to visit their local optician for a sight test."

Margaret Fletcher, Director of UK Operations, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers said: "Carers have many things to worry about and often regular medical appointments can be something they find difficult to keep track of. The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is encouraged by efforts to bring greater awareness of eye examinations for those unable to leave their homes."

Alex Mair, Chief Executive, British Geriatrics Society said: "This is a very positive initiative. Uncorrected vision leads to many thousands of falls each year, which themselves often lead to more serious complications which geriatricians encounter. Older Eyes is a step in the right direction, bringing the chance of improved vision to those least able to access professional services".

Bob Hughes, Executive Director of FODO-the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians said: "We represent all the leading UK optical chains and there is no higher priority than public awareness of the importance of eye care. This campaign comes at a time when sensitivity to care for older people is at its highest and we want to assert the point that ethics and patient care must always come first."

For further information, please contact Andrew Teacher, Communications Director for Older Eyes at: Older Eyes Campaign, FODO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD. Tel: 020 7298 5151