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Read moreThe more families rely on grandparents, the more important their eye health becomes
8th October, 2026
New research commissioned by Newmedica has revealed that, for many families, grandparents are playing an increasingly important role in helping with childcare.
From schools runs and days out, to family holidays, grandparents are providing crucial support which is helping save families money on childcare costs while also creating invaluable bonding experiences with their grandchildren.
However, while our research shows grandparents are becoming more active in providing childcare, data shows they are increasingly doing this at an older age. The average age of grandparents in the UK is now 65, meaning many are taking on this more active role at an age where they are more susceptible to eye conditions including cataracts.
Amid this emerging dynamic, it’s more important than ever for grandparents to stay healthy – and this includes looking after their eyesight.
Grandparents save families thousands in childcare costs
Our survey of 1,000 parents with children aged five and under has shown that grandparents are saving mums and dads £5,370 a year.
More than seven in ten parents (71 per cent) said their parents are playing a more active role in looking after their grandchildren than ever before.
On average, grandparents are being asked to step in 97 times a year to help families avoid daily childcare costs, at a time when the average age of becoming a grandparent has increased to 65.
For many families, this support is invaluable. But as grandparents take on more responsibility later in life, maintaining their health and independence becomes increasingly important.
Why eye health is important as we get older
Our eyesight can naturally change as we age. Some age-related eye conditions can develop gradually, meaning changes to vision may not always be immediately obvious.
Common conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma can affect everyday activities, including reading, driving, walking safely and spending time with family.
Our research found that:
49% of parents had noticed age-related health issues in their parents.
75% worried that deteriorating health could make it harder for grandparents to play an active role in their grandchildren's lives.
61% said they rely on their parents remaining healthy and independent.
79% said they would actively explore treatment options if a parent's eye health began to worsen.
Eye health can impact grandparents’ independence
Mr Usman Hussain, consultant ophthalmologist at Newmedica, said: “As grandparents take on a more active role later in life, it's increasingly important that they remain fit, healthy and independent if they want to continue providing the support being asked of them by their families.
“Eye health is a key part of this, particularly as conditions such as cataracts become more common with age.
“Left untreated, this can lead to sight loss, potentially limiting grandparents’ ability to enjoy these special moments with their grandchildren and leaving families without a vital source of support.”
The good news is that many eye conditions can be treated effectively, particularly when they are identified early.
Don't let changes in your eyesight stop you enjoying family life
For Sylvia Summerfield, 68 and lives in Birmingham, cataract-replacement surgery has helped her enjoy more independence and spend more time with her grandchildren.
Until the surgery, I didn’t realise my granddaughter had so many freckles on her face. I put the operation off for so long, and now I think, ‘Why?’ I missed out on so much. I can play with my grandchildren now and we laugh about how bad my sight was.
It really has been life-changing. Being able to drive means I’m more independent and I feel safer. I can drive my grandchildren around and interact with them. To be able to do all this is fantastic.
Sylvia Summerfield, 68, Birmingham
Cataract surgery: what you need to know
One of the most common conditions which can affect people’s vision as they get older is cataracts. If cataracts are affecting your everyday life, cataract surgery may be an option.
Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens (cataract) and replacing it with a new, artificial lens (known as an intraocular lens) to restore your clear vision.
Cataract surgery is recommended when it starts getting difficult to see and carry out your normal day-to-day activities. That could mean reading a book, driving, enjoying hobbies, moving around more confidently or spending time with children and grandchildren
How Newmedica can help
Newmedica cares for more than 306,000 NHS and private patients a year in more than 30 locations across England. We work with the NHS, GPs and opticians to help treat and manage a range of advanced eye conditions in communities.
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