Blindness in New South Wales. An estimate of the prevalence and some of the contributing causes.

The information available on the prevalence of blindness in Australia is examined in an attempt to estimate the number of blind people in New South Wales. Records of the causes of blindness made by the authors at the Royal Blind Society's Low Vision Clinic are then examined to estimate their relative significance. There are at least seven thousand people blind, out of a total population of 5,145,900. Macula pathology contributes 37.2% and 81.5% of those affected are over 60 years old. Diabetes is responsible for approximately 10%. Genetically determined disease causes 25% between ages 16 and 60 years. If blindness is to be prevented, a more detailed analysis of causes will be needed. This could be obtained by examination and coding of the records for Disability (Blind) Pensions at the Department of Social Security. Blindness in Aboriginals is not discussed.