Health Inequalities Associated with Post-Stroke Visual Impairment in the United Kingdom and Ireland: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to report on the health inequalities facing stroke survivors with visual impairments as described in the current literature. A systemic review of the literature was conducted to investigate the potential health inequalities facing stroke survivors with subsequent visual impairments. A quality-of-evidence and risk-of-bias assessment was conducted for each of the included articles using the appropriate tool dependent on the type of article. Only four articles discussed health inequalities affecting stroke survivors with visual impairment specifically. A further 23 articles identified health inequalities after stroke, and 38 reported on health inequalities within the visually impaired UK or Irish population. Stroke survivors with visual impairment face inconsistency in eye care provision nationally, along with variability in the assessment and management of visual disorders. The subgroups identified as most at risk were females; black ethnicity; lower socioeconomic status; older age; and those with lower education attainment. The issue of inconsistent service provision for this population must be addressed in future research. Further research must be conducted in order to firmly establish whether or not stroke survivors are at risk of the aforementioned sociodemographic and economic inequalities.

KEYWORDS:

• Health inequalities
• stroke
• vision impairment

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Funding

This research is funded by the National Institute of Health Research (CLAHRC NWC).

The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the department of health.

Additional information

Funding

This research is funded by the National Institute of Health Research (CLAHRC NWC). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the department of health.