Published research

Thomas Pocklington Trust is a major research and development body which aims to improve the quality of life of people with sight loss. This complements our work as a housing, care and support provider.

Each year we fund a number of social and public health research and development projects to identify practical ways in which we, and others, can improve the lives of people with sight loss. Further information on our current research projects is available from the Research & development programme pages.

Our previous research projects are outlined below. Click on the links to find out more, including links to the various research publications which have been produced as a result of these studies.

Daylighting and windows in homes of people with sight loss

This report presents findings from a recently completed review of research on daylighting and windows in the homes of people with sight loss.

Improving outcomes for people with sight loss: identifying the continuing professional development needs of occupational therapists (2009)

This project explored how undergraduate and postgraduate education of occupational therapists could be enhanced to improve services for people with sight loss

People with dementia and sight loss: a scoping study of models of care (2009)

Previous research has highlighted that few studies and reports address the needs and experiences of people with dementia and sight loss, yet both problems are common in older people and in particular among those living in long-term care facilities.

All Wales Visual Impairment Database (2008)

This study was commissioned to look at those using the community-based low vision service in Wales. Data collected on adults using the Welsh Low Vision Service were extracted from the service administration database and prepared and analysed by two epidemiologists.

Emotional support to people with sight loss (2009)

This project assessed evidence of needs for emotional support among people with sight loss and the most effective ways of meeting those needs

The opinions of people with sight loss on visual impairment research: study three (2007)

A third study on the subject of the opinions of people with sight loss on visual impairment research is grounded in 'disability studies' - an approach which addresses the social exclusion and promotes the human and civil rights of disabled people.

Visual hallucinations in sight loss and dementia (2009)

The study aimed to review the medical and social science literature on visual hallucinations in people with sight loss and dementia.

The needs of older people with acquired hearing and sight loss (2008)

This project aimed to increase the knowledge basw concerning the experiences, needs and goals of older people with acquired hearing and sight loss.

Impact of sight loss in older people in Britain (2008)

This project aimed to assess the impact of visual impairment on the risk of hospital and institutional admissions and health-related quality of life in people aged 75 years and above in Britain.

Obstacles to improving visual health in older people (2008)

Why does screening for remediable eye disease in older people not lead to improvements in the older population's visual function?

The changing needs of people with sight loss (2008)

This study examined the long-term dynamics of the changing support needs associated with sight loss and explores ways in which health and social services could be tailored to meet these needs better.

Improving the detection of correctable sight loss in older people (2008)

The project, conducted by the Institute of Optometry, assessed the accuracy and use of portable tests for detecting correctable visual problems in older people.

Experiences and needs of people with dementia and serious visual impairment (2007)

This project, conducted by King's College, London, involved a qualitative study of a small number of people with dementia and sight loss.

Dietary fat and risk of age related maculopathy and macular degeneration (2006)

This project, conducted by the Centre for Ageing and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), assessed links between eating fats and macular disease.

Overview of domestic lighting research for people with sight loss (2006)

This study by Dr John Percival provided a summary and assessment of lighting research to date.

A review of homecare and sight loss (2005)

This short review of key documents on homecare and sight loss also assessed existing innovative projects and services giving home support. The review was carried out by research partners at the University of Warwick.

An investigation of the circumstances of visually impaired older people in England (2005)

This small study, conducted by research partners at University College London (UCL), draws on the English Longitudinal Survey on Ageing.

Housing and support needs of people of working age with sight loss (2005)

This two year study, conducted by research partners at University College London (UCL), examined the housing and support needs of people of working age with sight loss. Field work in London included those with additional disabilities, as well as ethnic minority communities.

Short study on hearing and sight loss (2005)

Research partners at the University of Birmingham conducted this short review of previous research and ongoing relevant work to make recommendations for future studies.

Dementia and blindness: Review of research to date and analysis of issues for new research (2004)

This study, by research partners from the Research Institute for the Care of the Elderly in Bath, reviewed research on this client group and recommended areas for new research.

Eye Clinic Support Services: an exploratory study (ECSS) (2004)

This initial study by research partners at the University of Birmingham mapped provision of advisory services (other than low vision) in eye clinics and established the basis for a larger evaluation study.

Improving the access of ethnic minority visually impaired people to appropriate services (2004)

This two year study investigated how to build a supported community referral system in the West Midlands to improve access to health, social and housing services for this client group, and increase knowledge and understanding between partners. The study was conducted by research partners at De Montfort University.

Evaluation of Pocklington Day Centres in the West Midlands (2003)

In line with Pocklington's policy to evaluate all new developments, this study assessed current and potential day services from centres in Birmingham and Stourbridge. The study was carried out by research partners from the University of Birmingham.

Lighting the homes of people with sight loss (2003)

This was an initial study into the needs of people with sight loss for appropriate domestic lighting, in the absence of applicable building and service regulations for such provision. The study was carried out by research partners from the University of Reading.

Short study on technology (2003)

This short study, carried out by research partners at Imperial College London, provided advice on housing-related integrated technology for Pocklington centres.

The effectiveness of Home Improvement Agency services to people with sight loss (2003)

Home Improvement Agencies provide owner-occupiers with advice and assistance on maintenance and adaptations to make their homes more appropriate for their needs. This study, conducted by Foundations and York University, examined how services can be improved and produced a Good Practice Guide.

A population-based study of cataract (2002)

The overall aims of this study, conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), were to assess the risk of cataract associated with commonly prescribed drugs: inhaled corticosteroids and statins.

Evaluating a public health package on glaucoma (2002)

This pilot study aimed to determine how far a public health package on glaucoma could reach its target populations, including ethnic minorities. The study was conducted by research partners at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London (UCL).

Home care in Wandsworth and surrounding boroughs (2002)

This short study investigated the need for local specialised home care and support service for people with sight loss across seven local authorities in South London, and how far home care providers were already meeting their needs. The study was carried out by CCRC Consultancy.

Housing care and support needs of older people with sight loss (2002)

This was Britain's largest ever research project into the housing care and support needs of older people with sight loss, conducted by research partners at University College London (UCL) and the University of Bristol.

Housing related assistive technology (2002)

This small project, conducted by the Buildings Research Establishment (BRE), brought together users, designers, manufacturers and researchers to review how design and use of computers and gadgets can assist the daily living activities of people with sight loss.

Survey of visual impairment in people aged 75+ (2001)

This survey, conducted by research partners at Moorfields Eye Hospital and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), included prevalence estimates of visual impairment in people over 75+, drawing on a larger Medical Research Council (MRC) study.