World Sight Day

Lesley Cree Opticians were pleased to support World Sight Day on 11 Oct 2018. This comes on the back of this year’s National Eye Health week campaign between 24-30 September which aimed to inspire and educate people on the importance of eye health and why they should go for regular sight tests.

Many people often fear losing vision; yet take minimal steps in caring for their eyes. This is what the National Eye Health Week aims to change.

• About 2 million persons are living with severe sight loss in UK, that can significantly impact their daily activities. Half of this population’s sight loss is avoidable.
• A sight test easily detects the early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, which can be treated soon.
• During any sight test, other health conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure can be detected.
• To maintain healthy eyes, you should eat well, avoid smoking and wear eye protection during bright sunlight.

The importance of eye sight towards the overall wellbeing, independence and quality of life of an individual is too important to be ignored. This is why eye care charities, health professionals and organisations across the UK are encouraged to join together during this week to promote the importance of eye health and need for regular tests.

To mark World Sight Day optical organisations and companies have outlined their support for improving eye health.

Moorfields Eye Hospital has partnered with the Royal National Institute of Blind (RNIB) to launch a set of national patient standards, which are designed to improve care for eye hospital patients.

The hospital said that it is a first in the UK to set national standards specifically for patients with sight problems and eye conditions.

Patients, charities and eye care practitioners have developed the standards, which highlight the importance of patient support, and state that all eye clinics should have an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO).

Johnson & Johnson contact lens manufacturers are encouraging the public to #spotlightsight for World Sight Day as part of its campaign to raise awareness of the importance of eye health.

The company is asking the public to donate to Lions Club International Foundation, Sight for Kids or the Himalayan Cataract Project and share a photo on social media using the hashtag.

Essilor spectacle lens manufacturers are calling on drivers to put vision first when driving and has produced posters and social media campaign packages. The company is urging drivers to check their vision regularly, wear appropriate spectacles and protect their eyes from glare.