National Eye Health Week 22-28 September

The fifth National Eye Health Week will take place on 22–28 September 2014.

The week aims to raise awareness of the importance of good eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all.  20 million people in the UK could be at risk of avoidable sight loss because they fail to have regular sight tests.  Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss yet over half of sight loss can be avoided.

The number of people in the UK with sight loss is set to increase dramatically. It is predicted that by 2050 the number of people with sight loss in the UK will double to nearly four million
Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don't know the best way to look after our eyes.  This is why it is so important you get your eye health tested regularly even if you think your vision is fine as some eye conditions may not show symptoms.

Many people think that a sight test is just about checking whether your vision needs correcting with glasses or contact lenses. But there are other important reasons to have a regular sight test.  A sight test is a vital check on the health of the eyes and includes the detection of eye conditions.

Many of these, if found early, can be treated successfully, avoiding potential sight loss.  A sight test can also detect other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

If you do not already undertake routine eye examinations or have concerns about your vision contact your local optician to make an appointment.  A full sight test, which may be funded by the NHS if you are in an eligible group, will be conducted by a qualified optometrist or an ophthalmic medical practitioner.  If you are unable to leave home unaided, a home visit may be possible.

A spokesman from the Devon Local Optical Committee said: "In Devon we have a network of over 100 Optometric practices offering NHS and private eye examinations.  We would like to encourage you, family members and friends to undertake routine eye examinations.  If your Optometrist has concerns you can be reassured of excellent eyecare in one of four hospital eye clinics in Devon, and a growing network of voluntary sector organisations for support”