The EBU Commission on Social Rights, meeting in Bulgaria in October 1998, considered the social rights of the elderly blind and partially sighted people, and came up with the following views.
It is vitally important to protect existing services and benefits for elderly people. These are likely to be under increasing pressure, as the population of older people increases, and puts resources under strain.Preventing blindness is vital. Much cand be learned from countries such as Italy, that has organised successful campaigns in this sphere.
It is important for each country to determine present and future numbers of elderly blind people, and to develop a clear appreciation of their needs. This information is required to form the basis of campaigning, to ensure that appropriate resources are deployed, to provide necessary services and support for the increasing population of elderly visually impaired people.
The UN Standard Rules are relevant to the needs of elderly people. Action should be taken at a national level to ensure that their implementation takes account of the requirements of this group.
Compensation for the costs attributable to visual impairment should be a right for all older visually impaired people.
Rehabilitation services should be available to older visually impaired people.
The provision of equipment and personal support should be available to enable older visually impaired people to continue to live independent lives in the community.
Information on the provision of services for older visually impaired people should be available in appropriate formats.
Older visually impaired people have a right to participate in decision-making at all levels (the family, community and society), and should be encouraged to do so. Organisations representing the interests of visually impaired people should take action to assist older people to participate in decision-making.
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