'Don't delay - check your eyes today', urges local MP (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

'Don't delay - check your eyes today', urges local MP

September 29, 2009 11:15 AM

Martin Horwood having his eyes checked

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood met up with the Eye Health Alliance at this year's Liberal Democrat Party Conference to learn more about the importance of eye health and regular sight tests for people from all aspects of the local community.

Commenting at the Party Conference in Bournemouth Martin said: "Many people just don't look after their eyes - I was shocked to learn that 50% of blindness in the UK could have been prevented through regular sight tests and screening programmes. Even if you think your vision is fine it is still important to check your eyes are healthy."

Martin joined hundreds of other delegates at the Eye Health Alliance stand and got a photograph taken of the back of his retina with a retinal camera, which can pick up conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

The results of a recent study indicate that partial sight and blindness places a large economic cost on the UK, totalling £22 billion in 2008, much of which could have been avoided with an increase in take-up of regular sight tests. Additionally, these costs are expected to grow to £7.88 billion by 2013, partly as a result of an ageing population and an increase in the number of people living with long term conditions. (3) Therefore, the early detection of conditions through screening and testing, such as eye examinations, will play an increasing role in health services across the nation.

Eye tests are readily available on the high street. Many groups of people in England and Wales are entitled to a free NHS Sight Test such as all children under 16, those aged 60 and over and those on low incomes. (2)

Heather Marshall, Head of Public Affairs for the Eye Health Alliance points out:

"It's vital that people have their eyes tested at least once every two years. Eye health and regular sight tests are important for everyone - for children to develop socially and academically at school, for working age adults to go about their lives safely, and for older people to live independently and reduce the risk of accidents such as falls."

References

1.) For more information, please contact Sarah Lapham, Public Affairs Officer, Eye Health Alliance on 0207 202 8159 or info@eyehealthalliance.co.uk or visit the website at www.eyehealthalliance.co.uk The Eye Health Alliance is a coalition of the optical bodies and eye care charities who work together to promote eye health for all.

2.) For more information about NHS sight tests and eye care services in your area, visit the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk

3.) The economic impact of partial sight and blindness in the UK adult population, a report by Access Economics (2009)