New data from sight loss charity RNIB reveals that 8730 people in Scotland will begin living with sight loss in the next 12 months alone, and that the total number of people affected is set to grow by nearly 21% over the next 10 years.
Currently there are 193,674 people living with sight loss that impacts daily life. By 2036, that number is projected to rise to over 234,000, driven by Scotland's ageing population.
The condition behind the greatest number of cases is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD causes problems with central and detailed vision. The condition can cause the central vision to become distorted or blurry, and overtime, a dark area may appear in the centre of a person’s vision.
In 2026, there are 58,000 people in Scotland living with late-stage AMD. RNIB’s Sight Loss Data Tool predicts that, in 10 years’ time, this figure will have increased by 29%, to an estimated 74,860 people.
RNIB is calling on people to attend regular eye tests and seek advice from an eye health professional should they notice any changes to their vision.
James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, said: “These figures show that sight loss in Scotland cannot be ignored. In many cases, sight loss can be prevented by routine eye tests or if help is sought when changes in vision are investigated quickly. It’s more important than ever that we act now. We recommend that everyone goes for their free eye test every two years, or more frequently if you are advised to do so.”
The new figures come from RNIB’s Sight Loss Data Tool, which has just undergone a refresh to make the platform more accessible for use by the media, local authorities, Government and eye health professionals.
The Sight Loss Data Tool is the UK’s largest collection of eye health and sight loss data, with estimates for the number of people living with sight loss and specific sight conditions, health and social care activity, local area data and risk factors for increased risk of eye health problems all being available to the public and professionals.
John Slade, RNIB’s Head of Strategic Research, said: “RNIB’s refreshed Sight Loss Data Tool will bring improved access to a whole range of data for across the UK, providing detailed insight into the numbers of people living with sight loss, what eye conditions they’re living with and what risk factors for sight loss diagnosis may be present in an area.
“We’re keen for everyone to make the most of the information available through the Sight Loss Data Tool, with registration to the Tool being open for everyone to use.”
