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Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MPLiberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Berwick Upon TweedWorking for you and the Berwick upon Tweed Constituency all year roundin Northumberland and in Westminster |
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Beith joins National Eye Health Week campaign to raise awareness of eye health and sight tests
June 21, 2010 12:00 AM
Sir Alan Beith MP with David Hewlett, Chief Executive of the Federation of Dispensing Opticians (FODO).
Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick upon Tweed, joined eye health professionals and representatives of national sight loss charities in Parliament to mark National Eye Health Week (14 - 20 June) and highlight the importance of regular sight tests.
At least 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable if identified early enough. A simple sight test offers the quickest and easiest way to check your eye health.
However, new research unveiled at the event reveals that although 86 per cent of the population fears losing their sight above all other senses, almost 20 per cent have not had an eye examination in the last five years. Only a third of people (35 per cent) are aware of the recommendation to visit their optician every two years. When asked why they did not visit the optician, nearly half (40 per cent) of people say they have not experienced any problems that would warrant an eye test, while a quarter (24 per cent) do not think it is necessary, and one fifth (18 per cent) are worried about the cost.
Sir Alan said
"A sight test can detect the early signs of conditions like glaucoma and, if diagnosed early, the right type of treatment could safeguard your sight. Everyone should get their eyes tested every two years, and for some people this check-up is free, so ask your optometrist."
At the event MPs also had an opportunity to find out whether their local NHS and council bodies have recognised the eye health needs of the local population in their plans.
Sir Alan added
"I am pleased that locally our NHS and council bodies have recognised the eye health needs of the population. I will be working to ensure that this means good quality services for all who need them."
David Scott-Ralphs, Chief Executive of SeeAbility and Chair of National Eye Health Week said
"This week is a call for everyone to have a regular eye examination as a crucial part of their healthcare routine, just like going to the dentist. I would like to thank Sir Alan for joining with us to ensure that more people are aware just how much their vision matters and that we ensure that people do not lose their sight unnecessarily."
The National Eye Health Week website (www.visionmatters.org.uk) features lifestyle and health advice, including tips on how to look after your eyes and what to expect as part of a sight test. It also provides information on who is entitled to a free sight test and assistance with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
The research for National Eye Health Week was carried out by FreshMinds Research, on behalf of The College of Optometrists between 30 April 2010 and 12 May 2010 amongst a panel of 4,004 respondents. The survey found that:
- 86% of people value their sight more than any other sense
- 18% of people have not had an eye test in the last five years
- 40% of people have not had an eye test because they have no symptoms
- 31% of people are unaware that not all eye conditions show symptoms
- More than half (53%) of sight loss classified as preventable with a simple eye test.
Source: Future Sight Loss UK (1): The economic impact of partial sight and blindness in the UK adult population, Access Economics PTY Ltd, June 2009 (available from the RNIB and UK Vision Strategy websites)
This marks the first National Eye Health Week, which has been launched by a collaboration of eyecare charities, organisations and health professionals from across the eyecare sector. National Eye Health Week is running throughout the UK from Monday 14th to Sunday 20th June, to raise awareness of the importance eye health and the need to visit the optician regularly.
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