The all-new Sight Loss Data Tool is here

RNIB’s Sight Loss Data Tool is the UK’s largest collection of eye health and sight loss data. You’ll find practical eye health insights across a range of topics, including:   

·       estimates for the number of people living with sight loss and specific eye conditions   

·       health and social care activity data   

·       local area data and risk factors that may increase the risk of eye health problems.   

  The latest Sight Loss Data Tool insights are essential for:  

·       commissioners of eye care services across the UK to understand population needs, both now and in the future   

·       sight loss charities seeking to understand market size to support their planning, fundraising or communications  

·       anyone seeking a better understanding of sight loss and eye health needs in their area.   

Start using Version 6 of the Sight Loss Data Tool 

The Sight Loss Data Tool is fully WCAG 2.2 compliant, the international standard for digital accessibility. This means the tool has been designed and tested to ensure accessibility for all users, including people who use screen readers, magnification software or keyboard navigation. 

What’s new in the Sight Loss Data Tool? 

The insights and data found in Version 6 of the tool significantly improve on Version 5. Here’s an overview of what’s new: 

  

New interface 

·       We’ve created a new interface to make it even easier to find the data you need.   

·       The new website has been optimised to work across a range of devices. Whether you’re at your desk or on the go on your mobile, you can access the latest eye health and sight loss data for your local authority, health board, region or nation.   

·       The website meets the latest accessibility standards, making data and insight more inclusive.   

  

Data refresh 

·       We’ve updated all the data to the latest and best evidence available. The latest population projections were used to produce estimates for 2026, and projections for 2036. We’ve also used the most recent and robust health and social care data.    

  

New metrics  

The Sight Loss Data Tool includes new metrics based on feedback in our user survey. These include: 

·       estimates on the number of people newly starting to live with sight loss in 2026

·       data on economic impact, including both direct NHS costs and wider societal costs

·       more detailed population estimates for children and young people with vision impairment aged 0 to 25 years

·       sight loss projections by age band

·       outpatient appointments split into new and repeat to provide more detail.   

Removed metrics 

We’ve also removed a number of metrics: 

·       Duplication – overlapping metrics have been consolidated to reduce repetition.   

·       Time series – this update focuses on providing a snapshot of the latest data, so some historical data has been removed. This is something we will look to add back in future updates. 

·       Underlying data quality issues – any metrics that were out of date or potentially misleading have been removed.   

·       Geography – metrics that didn’t fit within the main administrative or health boundaries used throughout the Sight Loss Data Tool have been removed.