Vision problems following stroke: Developing a best practice statement

An estimated 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year, and in developed countries, survival is increasing. Of those who survive 30 days or more after their first event, many experience stroke-related vision and visual problems. Although screening for such problems after diagnosis of stroke is recommended, no standard method for complying with this recommendation is available. As visual problems are not always recognised by the sufferer, or obvious to others, they can be overlooked. Undetected problems result in distress to the individual and the people important to them, and may result in longer stays in hospital or repeat admissions. Health professionals in the acute care setting need to be aware that there is a risk of visual problems after stroke and have access to best practice guidance for screening, assessment and management of stroke-related visual problems. This paper describes the process used by a multidisciplinary team to develop a best practice statement for screening, assessment ...