eyes

Don’t delay – early intervention can save your sight

PLYMOUTH’S Matthew Rattenbury is urging people to ensure they have regular eye tests to spot serious conditions that can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

At only 35, Matthew has narrow-angle glaucoma. If left untreated it can lead to full glaucoma, which can cause irreversible damage to someone’s vision.

He is currently on the NHS waiting list to have a type of laser...

Plymouth’s high-tech eye health clinic is training tomorrow’s optometrists 

A sight-saving Plymouth clinic has stepped in to give 60 aspiring optometrists essential insights into the world of eye surgery.

Plymouth University has always sent its third-year trainee optometrists to NHS hospitals, where they were able to witness what happened to patients after referral to secondary care, usually a hospital.

This experience is important to ensure that...

Dangers of driving with glaucoma are brought into focus by latest 4D technology

THE brave new world of virtual reality is driving sight awareness in the South West, thanks to an innovative Torquay optometrist.

Simon Simmonds, a director at the Specsavers Torquay stores, recently used the cutting-edge 4D world as part of a lecture to demonstrate the all-too-real dangers of getting behind the wheel of a car for people who have glaucoma.

He was able to let...

Menopause and your eyes

OPTICIANS are advising Plymouth women about what can be done to help make eyes feel more comfortable during menopause.

Common symptoms of menopause can range from hot flushes to difficulty sleeping, but many people aren’t aware that it can also affect the eyes.

Hormonal changes brought on by the menopause can lead to eyes becoming dry and uncomfortable, which is why...

Six signs your eyes and ears could be telling you something about your health

People across Devon are being warned about six subtle signs that show their ears and eyes are telling them something serious about their health.

Just as simple headaches and sudden weight fluctuations can reveal deeper health concerns, eyes and ears can also give some clues that a potential health concern is happening in the body.

To help Devon people look out for the tell-...

RNIB launches new support during Mental Health Week

The Royal National Institute of Blind People has launched a new range of mental health guides for blind and partially sighted people in the South West during Mental Health Awareness Week (between 10 May and 16 May).

The guides offer advice and information on many mental health related topics, such as loneliness, sleep difficulties, resilience and mindfulness, and are downloadable...

Go dry this January to stop your eyes from doing so

People in Plymouth are being urged to put the brakes on their binging this January to make sure they look after their health.

The New Year is an opportunity to detox and go ‘dry’, and Specsavers Plymouth said this is great news for our eyes and ears.

Dr Josie Forte, the store’s ophthalmic director, says: ‘We all know that alcohol can play havoc with our bodies and it’s not...

Fifth of adults in Plymouth risk losing sight

A new study reveals 19% of adults in Plymouth risk losing their eyesight by not having regular eye tests. For those with deteriorating eyesights, you should try contact lenses daily .

The Vision of Britain report, commissioned by Optegra Eye Health Care, shows an alarming percentage of Britain’s eye problems are left too late to treat, leaving 9.8 million of us living in fear of...

Crucial diabetic eye screening work at Plymouth Science Park

Vital work to help check the eyesight of diabetic patients will shortly be taking place at Plymouth Science Park.


The team, from EMIS Care, has moved to the city’s premier business complex where it can benefit from its excellent facilities – from the well positioned offices and free parking for clients through to the stunning views and the on-site café. The park is also located in...

Solar eclipse eyesight warning

Devon Local Optical Committee and the Optometry group at the School of Health Professions at Plymouth University are warning people to exercise caution when viewing the solar eclipse.

The solar eclipse will take place on Friday 20th March 2015 and, dependent on location, people will see a partial eclipse, with up to 97% of the sun blocked out.

Whilst a solar eclipse is an...