Nine out of 10 people in Greece living with severe visual impairment require assistance from third parties for personal care and daily household needs, according to initial study findings released by the Panhellenic Association of Retinal Patients on October 7, 2026.
The organization reported that support is primarily provided by family members, while organized public services such as the Help at Home program have a limited presence. More than half of the study participants reported severe difficulties or a total inability to manage self-care tasks independently.
The association presented its initial findings ahead of World Sight Day on October 8, highlighting the care, rehabilitation, and social support needs of visually impaired individuals. The research analyzed data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority and Eurostat Health Survey, which was conducted in 2019 and first published in 2020.
Daily Care and Household Challenges
Difficulties with personal care were particularly severe regarding dressing and taking a bath or shower. According to the analysis, between 65 percent and 80 percent of participants reported major to extreme difficulties or an inability to complete these activities, depending on the task.
The findings illustrate how demanding basic daily routines can become for people living with severe visual disability who frequently face concurrent health problems. Visual impairment drastically impairs spatial orientation and fine motor tasks, turning routine hygiene into a complex daily hurdle.
Even greater difficulties were recorded in household management. Between 62 percent and all 100 percent of participants reported extreme difficulty or complete inability to prepare meals, manage routine financial matters independently, shop for groceries, or perform occasional heavy housework.
Caregiver Support and Mobility Barriers
Given these challenges, third-party assistance forms an essential part of daily life for most participants. Beyond family support, approximately one in four respondents (25 percent) receives assistance from other individuals or caregivers, primarily on a paid basis.
The limited involvement of organized support services in the sample underscores the need for further investigation into whether existing public programs meet the specific demands of this population.
Significant mobility obstacles were also documented. Depending on the activity, between 55 percent and 75 percent of participants reported major to extreme difficulty or inability in walking, maintaining balance while standing, and navigating stairs.
Co-existing Health Conditions and Mental Health
The study also examined physical health conditions co-existing with visual disability. In the sample, the highest rates of comorbidity were found among very elderly women, who frequently suffered from circulatory and vascular diseases, degenerative orthopedic conditions, and urinary tract disorders.
Additionally, half of all participants stated that physical pain moderately to very severely burdened their daily activities. Medical research shows that chronic pain combined with sensory loss can severely compound physical disability in older adults.
Mental health represented another crucial area of the analysis. Older participants reported higher frequencies and severity of sadness, emotional indifference, concentration difficulty, disappointment, and feelings of guilt toward themselves or their families.
The association stated that these findings reinforce the need for a comprehensive care approach that addresses functional ability, co-existing illnesses, and psychological health alongside ongoing eye care.
Demographic Profile and Study Methodology
The analysis included 16 individuals certified with a visual disability rating of 80 percent and above, up to total blindness. The cohort consisted primarily of older adults, with 62.5 percent aged 80 and over, and 18.75 percent aged 70 to 79. Women represented 75 percent of the sample.
Regarding employment and civil status, 93.75 percent of participants were retirees, 56.25 percent were married, and 43.75 percent were widowed. In education, 87.5 percent had completed up to primary school, while 12.5 percent completed technical or secondary education. Furthermore, 75 percent rated their general dental and gum health as fair to very good.
The association noted that the small sample size and advanced age profile must be taken into account when evaluating the results. The findings describe these specific participants and cannot be generalized to all visually impaired people across Greece.
The research relies on data granted by ELSTAT for scientific research following a formal application and confidential data access agreement. The original nationwide ELSTAT survey covered 8,125 private households and an equal number of individuals aged 15 and over. Part one of the association's study was carried out between April and September 2026.
Research Objectives and Organizational Background
The complete study will be presented in three parts, with final completion targeted for spring 2027. In addition to morbidity and functionality, upcoming phases will evaluate the use of primary and secondary healthcare, medical expenses, prescription drug use, mental health, nutrition, and alcohol and tobacco consumption.
The project aims to record the needs, habits, and behaviors of participants to inform and improve health services for visually impaired people. Marking World Sight Day under the theme "Love Your Eyes," the organization highlighted that access to healthcare, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and daily care is essential for personal autonomy and social inclusion.
Detailed data tables and commentary are available on the association's website. Founded in 1989, the Panhellenic Association of Retinal Patients represents blind and partially sighted individuals affected by rare degenerative and hereditary diseases of the retina, macula, and optic nerve.
The organization works locally, nationally, and internationally to promote treatment research, blindness prevention, rehabilitation, optical aids, and social integration. Its initiatives include the GLAUKI awareness campaign on Geographic Atrophy and Age-related Macular Degeneration, and the MELITI Olfactory Training program for visually impaired people. The association is a member of Retina International and can be reached at [email protected].
