Visual impairment; social support. Recent research in context

The vast majority of visually impaired people are not blind; they have varying degrees of low vision. Most are also older people and many have additional ‘community care’ needs. The Department of Health commissioned Robin Lovelock to review recent non-medical research relevant to the support of this large and growing group, making recommendations on future research priorities to reflect these demographic patterns. The results are published here for the first time. A Directory of the individual studies identified in 1990–91 forms an Appendix. This body of work, conducted in a variety of academic, statutory, and voluntary sector settings, is discussed both in historical and current context, with particular reference to the agenda for change set by the White Paper Caring for People. In a new Preface and Postscript, the author provides an update on significant research and development work since the original review, demonstrating the continuing applicability of his original analysis and recommendations to the full implementation of the 'community care' legislation in relation to people with a visual impairment