Residual visual functions of guide dog owners in the UK

Numbers of guide dog owners (GDOs) in the United Kingdom reached 4700 by th e end of 1998. Despite this growing trend, little is known about the nature of their visual loss. This paper reports the results of a national three-c entre investigation into the residual visual functions and ophthalmic condi tions of guide dog owners. Random samples of GDOs (Scotland n = 82, England n = 77, and Northern Ireland n = 87) underwent a detailed visual analysis and interview. GDOs had an overall median age of 53 years. Nationally, they make up just 2.4% of the registered blind population. All GDOs were found to have profound loss of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity or visual fiel ds, but only 43% were totally blind. GDOs in Scotland retained higher level s of residual visual function than those in the other two regions. The main causes of visual loss were congenital and early onset degenerative eye dis ease (retinitis pigmentosa 18%, optic atrophy 10%). Results taken in conjun ction with epidemiological registration trends suggest that the past growth in numbers of GDOs is unlikely to be sustainable. Implications for mobilit y service providers are discussed. It is suggested that increased optometri c input and a multidisciplinary approach could assist present and potential guide dog owners. (C) 2001 The College of Optometrists. Published by Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.