NICE guidance recommends people with dementia have regular sight tests

Updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) encourages people living with dementia to receive regular eye examinations.

The guidance was updated in June 2025 to “help reduce risk of falls and improve quality of life” among those living with dementia.

The NICE guidance now recommends that those with dementia have a sight test shortly after diagnosis, and then at two-year intervals.

Moorfields Eye Hospital consultant ophthalmologist, Kamran Saha, highlighted that the development is a clear example of how clinical evidence continues to help advance clinical care with national impact.

“We look forward to seeing this work make a tangible difference to the quality of life of some of the most vulnerable people in society,” he said.

Alzheimer’s Society chief knowledge officer, Dr Simon Wheeler, highlighted that getting a sight test is one of the first things that the Alzheimer’s Society advises people to do following a diagnosis.

“Poor eyesight adds to the confusion caused by dementia and makes it much harder to stay active and engaged. Yet, in most cases it can be improved with a new glasses prescription or treatment. Eye tests can also catch cataracts early and get them fixed with a quick and simple operation before a person’s dementia becomes more advanced,” he highlighted.