Galloway's are proud supporters of National Eye Health Week. A campaign to remind people why vision matters and inspire the public to be 'eye-aware.'
This awareness raising event takes place every year from 19th – 25th September, organised by Vision Matters UK. Galloway’s is supporting this important national campaign because over 50% of sight loss is preventable and levels of sight loss in Lancashire and Sefton are higher than the national average. By 2030, it is estimated that the number of people living with sight loss will raise by 20% in Sefton and 26% in Lancashire (source: RNIB).
Disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic means that many people have not had their eyes tested for several years. Experts fear this could lead to a significant increase in undiagnosed eye conditions leading to sight loss.
Iain Pearson, who joined Galloway’s as CEO earlier this year, committed to attending an eye test this week.
“During my first six months at Galloway’s, I have learnt about a range of various eye conditions and seen first-hand how sight loss can impact people’s lives. Our eyes are a window to our health and I encourage everyone to get their eyes tested regularly. For National Eye Health Week, I have had my eyes tested at a local optician in Preston in the hope of leading by example and in-turn motivating others to do the same.
Sight loss affects people of all ages and the earlier we adopt good habits in relation to eye health the better as prevention is always better than cure.”
A recent YouGov survey on behalf of Fight for Sight found that half (50%) of students and more than four in 10 (42%) working adults believe an increase in screen time during the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected their sight.
Everyone should have their eyes examined at least once every two years - even if there is no change in your vision.
Having a regular eye test with your optometrist (optician) is the best way to make sure that your eyes are healthy. Some sight-threatening conditions have no symptoms. An eye examination can often pick up the first signs of an eye condition before you notice any changes in your vision. This can lead to you getting vital treatment at the right time, which could save your sight.
Regular eye tests are also vital to ensure early diagnosis of eye conditions like glaucoma, which can be best treated if caught early. Opticians can also help to detect other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and even brain tumours.
Contact your local optometrist today to book an appointment. You can search for an optician near you in England on the NHS website, in Wales on the NHS 111 Wales website, in Scotland on the NHS 24 website or in Northern Ireland on the Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland website.
For more information on how to protect your eye health, please visit: https://www.galloways.org.uk/sight-loss-advice