The social value and financial benefits of providing preventive and timely counselling to people with sight loss in Wales, UK

Background
Almost 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss, and this number is predicted to double by 2050. There is increasing recognition of the need to provide counselling services to people living with sight loss.

Aim
The aim of this research was to assess whether there is an unmet need for counselling services for people living with sight loss in North Wales and to estimate the social value and budget impact of the potential roll-out of counselling services to this population.

Method
Between December 2020 and May 2021, a telephone survey was completed by 192 people living with sight loss in North Wales, UK. The survey instrument was a 19-item questionnaire, which included the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). Using data from the SWEMWBS and published statistics, a social return on investment (SROI) and budget impact analysis were conducted.

Results
Most respondents (84%, n = 161) had never been offered counselling in relation to sight loss. Thirty-nine per cent (n = 74) stated that they would use a new counselling service if it were available. Fifty-one per cent (n = 97) indicated that counselling could be especially beneficial for people who have recently been registered or diagnosed with sight loss (the timely window). Of those who completed the SWEMWBS, approximately 25% reported low mental well-being or probable depression. Social return on investment analysis estimated that providing counselling services for people with sight loss in North Wales could generate a social value of £3.42 for every £1 invested.

Conclusion
Timely counselling may improve an individual's ability to cope with sight loss and improve their quality of life over time.