This article provides a guide to the different types of geography used in the Sight Loss Data Tool. These boundaries typically follow the administrative and health structures within each of the four UK nations.
England
In England, the statistical and administrative geographies are as follows:
- Regions: nine regions used for high-level planning and statistical reporting.
- Metropolitan counties: six metropolitan counties covering large urban areas, mainly used for statistical purposes.
- Upper-tier local authorities: 153 upper-tier local authorities, comprising 99 unitary authorities, 33 London boroughs and 21 county councils. Upper-tier authorities are responsible for major local government services such as education, social care, housing and transport.
- Lower-tier local authorities: 164 district councils, which are a further sub-division of county councils. They are responsible for more localised services like local planning, waste collection and leisure facilities.
The health structure is:
- Integrated Care Boards (ICBs): 42 ICBs responsible for planning and commissioning NHS services within their geographic areas.
Scotland
In Scotland, the administrative and health structures are as follows:
- Local authorities: 32 council areas responsible for local government services such as education, social care, housing and local planning.
- NHS Health Boards: 14 Health Boards, responsible for planning and delivering healthcare services within their geographic areas.
Wales
In Wales, the administrative and health structures are as follows:
- Local authorities: 22 unitary authorities responsible for local government services such as education, social care, housing and local planning.
- Local Health Boards (LHBs): seven LHBs, responsible for planning and delivering healthcare services within their geographic areas.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the administrative and health structures are as follows:
- Local authorities: 11 district councils responsible for local government services such as education, social care, housing, and local planning.
- Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts: five HSC Trusts, responsible for planning and delivering healthcare and social care services within their geographic areas.
Future development
The geographies used in the Sight Loss Data Tool may be expanded in the future. Potential additions could include:
- Sub-ICB Areas (England): smaller divisions within Integrated Care Boards to allow more granular health data.
- Parliamentary constituencies (UK-wide): mapping the Sight Loss Data Tool indicators to Westminster Parliamentary Constituencies.
- National assembly / parliamentary boundaries (devolved nations): mapping to Welsh Senedd, Scottish Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly areas.
- Remapping and apportioning data to improve availability: for example, mapping health data to local authorities.
The inclusion of these additional geographies in the Sight Loss Data Tool would depend on user feedback and demand.