Moorfields Eye Hospital optometrist, Michael Crossland, discussed the effect of inherited retinal disease on mental health at the AOP’s Hospital and Specialty Optometrists Conference (8–9 November 2025, London).
Crossland has been collaborating with clinical psychologists to research what factors influence the wellbeing of people living with visual impairment. He shared that loneliness was significantly associated with reduced wellbeing.
“Things which I thought might have more of an impact – like visual acuity, severity of disease and how long they have had the disease for – were actually not that important,” Crossland observed.
He shared that there are strategies that can be used to address this risk factor – such as social prescribing, befriending services and peer support.
“These services may target loneliness and social isolation,” Crossland said.
He noted the importance of connecting with others who have a similar experience – adding that many younger people with inherited macular disease often see an older age group represented when they research their condition online.
“I think encouraging people to find others with the same condition and have that peer support is very helpful,” Crossland shared.
He encouraged practitioners to find out what support is available in their local area.
“My top tip is to find out what is happening locally and mention those services to people,” Crossland said.
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