CompletedObservational

Vision and hearing impairment among the population - the UK National Eye Health and Hearing Study

The UK National Eye Health and Hearing Study wants to find out how many people in the UK have problems with their eyesight and hearing, especially those aged 50 and over. Currently, we don't have enough information on this. The study will measure vision and hearing in randomly chosen adults in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and try to understand why some sensory problems aren't picked up early. Participants will receive a free vision and hearing check. If any issues are found, advice will be given on what to do next. The aim is to learn more about preventing and treating these conditions across the UK population.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Anglia Ruskin University

Enrolment target

750

Start

23 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

03 Jun 2025

Specialty: Ophthalmology, Primary sub-specialty: Other; Health Category: Ear, Eye; Disease/Condition: Visual disturbances and blindness, Other disorders of ear

What is this study about?

This important study, called the UK National Eye Health and Hearing Study, aims to understand how many people in the UK population experience problems with their vision and hearing. We currently don't have a good overall picture of how common these issues are, especially in people aged 50 and above. The researchers want to find out not only how many people are affected, but also how severe these problems are and, crucially, how often they could be prevented or treated if caught early.

The study will also look into why some people's sight and hearing difficulties might go unnoticed or untreated in their communities. By gathering this information, the researchers hope to improve how vision and hearing problems are identified and managed across the country, helping more people get the support they need.

This research is a big step towards ensuring that everyone in the UK has the best possible eye and ear health.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand how common vision and hearing problems are in people aged 50+ in the UK.
Participation is by invitation only for selected households in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Involves a free vision and hearing check-up, either at a community site or in your home.
You'll receive a report on your vision and hearing, plus recommendations if issues are found.
No significant risks, and you'll get a £20 gift voucher for taking part.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must be aged 50 years or older. You also need to be living in a private home within the specific areas of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough covered by the study.

It's important to know that you can't volunteer to join this study. Participants are chosen at random from households in these areas and then sent an invitation. If you don't receive an invitation and are not within the randomly selected households, unfortunately, you won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Am I aged 50 years or older?
Do I live in a private home in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough?
Have I received an official invitation to participate in this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are invited and agree to take part, the study involves a simple assessment of your vision and hearing. This can happen in one of 13 community research sites located across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, or, if it's easier for you, a research team member can visit you at your home. The visit will include answering some questions about your background, your current vision and hearing, and how these affect your daily life. The team will also perform actual measurements of your sight and hearing. The entire process is designed to be convenient and shouldn't take too long.

Potential risks and benefits

There are several potential benefits to taking part. You will receive a free, comprehensive measurement of your vision and hearing, along with a report of the findings. If the team finds any vision or hearing problems, they will tell you and suggest next steps for getting care, such as seeing your GP or another specialist. They can even remove impacted earwax for free if it's found. You will also receive a £20 gift voucher as a thank you for your time. The risks of participating are very low; there are no known significant dangers involved in the assessments. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any point.

Locations (13)

Bottisham Community Sports & Social Club
City only
Cambridge, England
Pyramid Community Centre
City only
Peterborough, England
Newborough Village Hall
City only
Peterborough, England
Leeds Hall
Approximate
Peterborough, England
Histon Sheltered Housing
City only
Histon, England
Orchard Community Centre
Approximate
Cambridge, England
Queen Elizabeth School
City only
Huntingdon, England
St Neots Town Football Club
City only
St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, England
Fordham Victoria Hall
Approximate
Ely, England
Whittlesey Queen Street Church
City only
Whittlesey, England
Downing PLACE United Reformed Church
Unverified
Cambridge, England
Church of St Peter and St Paul
Unverified
Chatteris, England

Common questions

Can I sign up for this study?

No, you can't volunteer. Participants are chosen randomly from households in specific areas of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and then invited.

What will happen if I take part?

You'll have a free vision and hearing check-up, either at a local centre or in your home, and answer some questions about your health and daily life.

Will I get paid for taking part?

You will receive a £20 gift voucher as a thank you for your time and contribution to the study.

What if they find a problem with my eyes or ears?

If any issues are found, the study team will let you know and recommend next steps for seeking further care, helping you get the right support.

Who is running this study?

It's being run by the Vision & Eye Research Institute at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, with support from several charities.

How to find out more

Rupert Bourne

rb@rupertbourne.co.uk +44 7931541295 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.