Day: September 28, 2022

Free access to Supermaths Abacus classes for Maths Week Scotland

To mark the event, the British Youth International College (BYITC) is offering free access to its online abacus tool and games-based lessons

This week, the British Youth International College (BYITC) is offering a free introduction to Abacus Maths.

The Glasgow-based education platform is celebrating the opportunity to raise the profile of Abacus training during the annual Maths Week Scotland, which aims to encourage positive Maths learning with a dedicated programme of events for families and schools.

From 26th September – 2nd October, kids can discover a fun and practical way to improve their maths ability with a free live BYITC Supermaths Abacus Maths class and free two-week access to game-based Abacus lessons to test their skills.

Founder of the BYITC Dr Rashmi Mantri is looking forward to sharing the benefits of this effective arithmetic technique. She said: “Abacus Maths may seem to be more complex, but it actually speeds up the capacity of children to perform heavy calculations.

“We believe this method is the absolute best way to learn Maths, based on scientific research that validates the methodology. Kids who learn Maths using the Abacus method performed better in many areas of life.”

Using the Abacus method, children are taught how to calculate arithmetic sums by visualising an Abacus tool and use their fingers to manipulate imaginary beads. This not only allows them to do rapid mental calculations, but also stimulates cognitive development, improves memory and problem-solving skills, and builds confidence in the classroom and beyond.

Dr Rashmi was inspired to share the learning benefits of Abacus Maths after noticing gaps in her son’s mathematical ability. When then nine-year-old Dhruv was struggling with simple arithmetic, Dr Mantri turned to a humble device she had used in her own childhood to help him.

She said: “It struck me that his inability to compute a simple sum reflected the actual situation of maths skills in a great many children. I decided to change the way he looked at numbers.

“After learning maths using the Abacus method, Dhruv could do mathematical calculations even faster than a calculator.”

Dhruv’s Abacus Maths learning has been so successful that he has even made television appearances to demonstrate his arithmetic skills, and is still involved in creating content and resources for the BYTIC. In fact, the 16-year-old helped develop the games-based Abacus classes that are on offer during Maths Week Scotland.

Originally founded as a local after-school programme in 2015, the BYITC has grown to welcome thousands of students from across the world through online classes, and is now the largest Abacus Maths classes provider in UK.

Since enrolling their son Neev (P6) in a BYITC Abacus Maths course, Ojas and Ashmi Lukhi have noticed a vast improvement in his mathematic ability. They said: “Abacus has helped Neev build his power of visualisation and boost his concentration levels.

“He is able to do calculations much faster and with confidence, and he can apply it to his day-to-day activities.”

Meanwhile, Ananyaa has been taking part in Abacus lessons for just six months. Her parents said: “The impact of it is beyond just her performance in Maths. It has given her a very holistic approach to other things as well.

“It has made her more focused, disciplined and time conscious. She has developed an interest in her work – and has won accolades for her effort.”

The Glasgow-based education platform has also developed the world’s first Abacus Maths e-learning application. Suitable for both desktop and mobile use, the app features a virtual Abacus tool as well as videos, practice questions, classwork and homework so pupils and parents can track their progress.

The success of the Abacus Maths courses speaks not only to the positive benefits of this unique learning method, but also to the BYITC team’s passion for youth education.

Dr Mantri said: “There is nothing better than providing education to someone. We are on a mission to develop new age skills in children and make them more fulfilled human beings.

“We want to make British Youth International College the most trusted brand in the education sector. A brand parents recognise, know they can trust, and give their children a future in our hands.”

Edinburgh care home welcomes visitors with open arms

Cramond Residence showcase facilities at first Open Day since pandemic

A CARE HOME to the north of the capital is hosting an open day for members of the public to visit for the first time in three years.

Visitors will be welcomed to Cramond Residence on 29 October between 9 am and 1 pm for a unique viewing of the five-star ensuite bedrooms and to find out more about the care services and range of activities on offer.

As well as showcasing the home itself, the open day will provide the opportunity to meet the home’s dedicated team of care and lifestyle staff while also indulging in homemade nibbles.

Client Liaison Manager, Christian Daraio, said: “The open day will allow visitors to see first-hand what makes Cramond Residence different to other care homes in and around the city.

“These events are great as there is first-hand information available and visitors have the opportunity to ask questions and gain reassurance as well as visit a show room, so that they know exactly what they will be getting.

“If you’re interested in downsizing or finding suitable care needs for your loved one, come along and check out the facilities we have to offer – they really need to be seen to be fully appreciated.”

Cramond Residence is a purpose-built care home created at a cost of £8m and opened in October 2018. It combines luxury, five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards – with places available from £1,950 per week and capacity for up to 74 residents.

Spread across three floors, Cramond Residence adopts a small-group living philosophy. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together. This is believed to have played a major role in infection control during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The home also provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Close to 1,000 jobs moved from London to Scotland in Civil Service shakeup

  • Major progress made with 933 UK Civil Service jobs moved out of London to Scotland
  • UK government has committed to relocate 1500 jobs to Scotland by 2025
  • Cabinet Office second HQ to more than double department’s Glasgow presence by 2025

Almost 1,000 London-based Civil Service jobs have moved to Scotland since March 2020, the Cabinet Office announced yesterday.

The latest figures have been announced as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Nadhim Zahawi, visited the department’s new second HQ at Atlantic Square, Glasgow ahead of chairing the inaugural Islands Forum in Orkney on Wednesday.

The relocation programme, known as Places for Growth, is moving 22,000  Civil Service jobs out of London by 2030. Already 933 jobs have been relocated from the capital to Scotland since the start of the scheme, with a further 600 high-quality jobs to be permanently based in Scotland by 2025.

The Cabinet Office will more than double its current numbers of Glasgow employees to around 750 by 2025.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations Nadhim Zahawi said: “We want to drive growth right across the United Kingdom and moving Civil Service jobs out of London is crucial to delivering this. I am delighted to say that the Cabinet Office is leading the way with this work by ensuring we have key decision makers based in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“It is imperative that we continue to build on this momentum and expand opportunities for people outside of London, giving them the chance to build successful careers right across the UK and bring diversity of thought and experience right to the very top of government.”

The number of Senior UK Civil Servants now based in Glasgow has grown by 1,400 per cent under the scheme, with 30 senior officials now permanently located in the city. The government plans to have at least 50 per cent of UK-based Senior Civil Servants located outside of London by 2030.

Cabinet Office roles previously based in London but which are now in Scotland include directors in the Counter Fraud Function, Consulting Hub and Debt Management teams. 

This signals the end of the era where staff who wanted to climb the ladder to senior level needed to move to London or nearby, or made the long commute from further afield. Staff are now able to lead teams delivering exceptional public services while based anywhere in the UK.

Naomi Hunter, who was born in Edinburgh but moved to London to join the Treasury in 2013, is now a Senior Civil Servant based in the Cabinet Office’s Glasgow HQ. After joining the UK Civil Service, she spent the next seven years living in London and travelling back to Scotland regularly to see family and friends.

Ms Hunter, who leads the strategy team for recovering public sector debt, said: “When I first joined the UK civil service, I moved to London because it was the only option if I was going to progress in my career.

“The opening of the Cabinet Office HQ in Glasgow has meant I’ve been able to move back to Scotland and still do what I’m passionate about. I’m so pleased for people in Scotland that they no longer need to move south to start their careers or get good, expert jobs in their field.”

The expansion has meant graduates are remaining in Scotland, preventing a ‘brain drain’ as young people travel south to further their careers.

Ceilidh MacDonald, aged 27 and originally from Inverness, was her family’s first university graduate. After initially ruling out a job at a central government department due to the requirement to live and work in London, she learned of the Cabinet Office’s expansion in Glasgow and took a role in the Grants team.

Ms MacDonald said: “I thought the only way to have a career was to move to London but when Covid hit, I realised that was the last place I wanted to be.

“I’m now not only gaining more experience than I ever thought possible in Scotland, but we’re working in the community to get the word out that there’s fantastic opportunities on your doorstep.”

Other cities have also benefited from the expansion with hundreds of roles moved to Edinburgh and East Kilbride in departments including the FCDO, Ministry of Justice and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

It is expected that these jobs will provide a significant boost for local business and enterprise, with government research having shown that workers put around 50% of their salaries back into the local economy.

Tesco Bank donates hundreds of Chromebook laptops to charities

Hundreds of vulnerable people will benefit from free Chromebooks, donated by Tesco Bank to local charities across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Around 400 refurbished Chromebooks will be given to charities which support vulnerable groups including refugees, low-income households and school pupils. Recipients include Tesco Bank’s recently announced charity partner, The Trussell Trust.

One of the other charities to benefit from the donated equipment is Dnipro Kids in Edinburgh , a charity which is supporting children who have arrived in the UK from an orphanage in Dnipro, Ukraine.

40 Chromebooks have been donated to give the children the opportunity to get back on track with schoolwork, and for them and their orphanage mothers to learn English and keep in touch with friends back home.

Earlier this year Tesco Bank announced The Trussell Trust as one of two new charity partners.  The Trussell Trust, which is campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK, has accepted a donation of 20 Chromebooks.  These will support the Trussell Trust’s work to build relationships with people experiencing financial hardship. 

Lynne Rennie-Smith, Director of Colleague Experience at Tesco Bank, said; “Tesco Bank has a proud record of supporting the communities in which we operate. 

“I’m delighted we’re donating these Chromebooks to local charities who tell us they will help vulnerable groups to build confidence, learn new skills, and stay connected.”

Jade Lewsey, Corporate Partnerships Manager, at Trussell Trust, said; “The Trussell Trust Participation team builds relationships with people experiencing financial hardship, and works with them as partners in our movement to end the need for food banks. Our work includes people from lots of different backgrounds, ages and locations.

“Some members use mobile phones to attend meetings and read business materials, as they don’t have access to, or cannot afford other tech. The Chromebooks donated by Tesco Bank will help create a better experience and reduce connectivity barriers for our partners and support their work across a number of different Trussell Trust programmes.”

Other organisations to receive donations include Glasgow Ukrainian Hub, Shawlands Academy in Glasgow and Spring Gardens Primary in Newcastle. Each of the charities to receive a donation of Chromebooks was suggested by Tesco Bank colleagues. Additional charities will be selected shortly.

As well as supporting local charities including partner charities Maggie’s and the Trussell Trust, Tesco Bank is proud to utilise its ATM network to support a number of national causes including the NSPCC, The British Heart Foundation and the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Tesco Bank has offered customers the opportunity to make charitable donations of up to £300 through its ATMs since 2012, raising over £750,000 for good causes.

Miller Homes unveils £10, 000 community fund for Scotland East

Miller Homes will donate £10,000 to charities, community groups and causes linked to its developments in the East of Scotland, including Edgelaw and West Craigs Manor in Edinburgh, over the next year.

The leading homebuilder has announced the creation of a community fund which will allow groups to apply for funding to support their projects. From local sports teams looking for sponsorship, nurseries looking to equip their garden or perhaps a food bank in need of additional supplies, Miller Homes wants to support its neighbours across the Edinburgh area.

The fund will officially launch on Wednesday 28th September and will cover all of Miller Homes’ developments in its Scotland East region. Applications for this first round will close on Friday 11th November after which donations between a minimum of £250 and a maximum of £2000 will be awarded to the successful applicants. Two funding rounds will take place each year in June and November and applications will be accepted throughout the year.

Each of Miller Homes’ ten regional offices across the UK will have its own £10,000 fund, which combined will contribute £100,000 to community initiatives across the country every year.

Lynsey Brown, Regional Sales Director for Scotland East at Miller Homes said: “We don’t just build houses, we create communities, making Edinburgh a better place to live.

“There are so many amazing groups undertaking vital work in the Edinburgh area, doing everything from supporting vulnerable members of society to enhancing the town’s green spaces.

“Through our community fund we’ll help as many of these organisations as we can and we encourage projects of all shapes and sizes to get in touch and let us know how we can help.”

To make an application to the Miller Homes Community Fund visit: 

www.millerhomes.co.uk/corporate/commuity-fund.

Scotland’s recycling rate starts to recover as covid restrictions ease

Scottish household waste statistics 2021

  • Scottish 2021 household waste figures reflect the reality of easing pandemic restrictions
  • Scotland generated 2.48 million tonnes of household waste (0.45 tonnes per person) in 2021
  • Overall household recycling rate was (42.7%) up slightly on 2020
  • Recycling of household wood and construction wastes increased after lockdowns
  • Carbon impact of Scotland’s waste increased by 53,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent (CO2e) in 2021, but is down 860,000 tonnes CO2e since 2011

Waste from all sources landfilled and incinerated in Scotland 2021

  • Waste from all sources landfilled in Scotland in 2021 increased 22.4% largely due to more soils and sorting residues being landfilled  
  • Waste from all sources incinerated in Scotland in 2021 increased by 7.4%, also mainly due to an increase in sorting residues incinerated

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) statisticians yesterday published Official Statistics which provide detail of Household Waste collected across all Local Authorities during 2021, as well as waste landfilled and incinerated in Scotland in 2021.

The figures, when compared to 2020, reflect the impact the pandemic had on Scotland’s waste. An increase in both the amount of waste generated and amount recycled are likely due to a bounce back after lockdowns and other restrictions were lifted.

Increases in waste wood and construction waste are likely due to people restarting of home improvement projects. 

SCOTTISH HOUSEHOLD WASTE STATISTICS 2021

Scottish households generated the equivalent of 0.45 tonnes of waste per person in 2021, with 0.19 tonnes recycled, 0.12 tonnes sent to landfill and 0.14 tonnes diverted through other means, such as incineration.

The total amount of household waste generated was 2.48 million tonnes in 2021, an increase of 55,000 tonnes (2.3%) from 2020. Of this, 1.06 million tonnes (42.7%) was recycled, a 0.7 percentage point increase from 2020. 

Data for every one of Scotland’s 32 local authorities are available on SEPA’s website.

Carbon impact of Scottish household waste  

The Scottish carbon metric measures the whole-life impact of resources. A measure of national performance, the metric takes a holistic view, from resource extraction and manufacturing emissions, through to waste management emissions. This is measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).  

The carbon impact of Scottish household waste generated and managed in 2021 was 5.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which equates to 1.08 tonnes of CO2e per person. This was an increase of 0.9% (53,000 tonnes CO2e) from 2020, largely due to more waste being generated.

While the amount of waste generated by Scottish households in 2021 was 4.7% below 2011 levels, the carbon impact of Scottish household waste generated and managed was 12.8% (0.86 million tonnes CO2e) below the 2011 level.

Amount of recyclables collected at the kerbside continues to rise

The amount of segregated recyclate collected via kerbside collections in 2021 was 721,000 tonnes, an increase of 5,400 tonnes (0.7%) from 2020. The change was more pronounced for rural authorities (up 4,700 tonnes, 1.6%) compared to urban authorities (up 600 tonnes, 0.1%).

These increases continue the overall trend since 2013 when 578,096 tonnes was collected, an overall increase of 24.8%.

Less than half as much waste sent to landfill as in 2011

2021 was the first time in 10 years there was no decrease in household waste sent to landfill – though the amount was more than half what was disposed of in 2011.

The increase of 4,000 tonnes to 664,000 tonnes, was a 0.6% increase from 2020, but 54.4% less than 2011. While there was an increase in the amount of waste landfilled, there was a slight decrease in the percentage sent to landfill (down 0.4 percentage points).
  
Waste recycled and diverted from landfill

The 2021, Scottish household waste recycling ratewas 42.7%, up 0.7 percentage points from 2020. The amount of household waste recycled between in 2020 and 2021 increased by 41,000 tonnes (4.0%) to 1.06 million tonnes.

The majority was recycled or reused (677,000 tonnes, 63.8%), composting contributing the remaining 384,000 (36.2%).

The increase in waste recycled between 2020 and 2021 is likely due to a bounce back from the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown and other restrictions in 2020, which resulted in the amount of waste recycled and the waste recycling rate falling to the lowest levels since 2013.

The amount of household waste managed by other diversion from landfill was 758,000 tonnes, an increase of 10,000 tonnes (1.4%) from 2020. Most was managed by incineration (612,000 tonnes, 80.7%), which was also the case in 2020, although the proportion of the total was higher (81.9%) in 2020.
 
Wood and construction wastes largest changes in materials recycled

Of the seven material categories that were the most recycled or reused in 2021, wood wastes showed the largest change compared with 2020 (increase of 10,000 tonnes, 14.7%). These were followed by construction and soils waste (increase of 8,000 tonnes, 9.0%).   

The increase in the recycling or reuse of these two wastes in 2021 follows a 21.5% reduction for each in 2020. This decrease is likely due in part to a reduction in the number and scale of home improvement projects, resulting from pandemic factors, such as lockdown and the inability to source raw materials.   

WASTE FROM ALL SOURCES LANDFILLED AND INCINERATED IN SCOTLAND 2021

Also published today were statisticsproviding the details of waste landfilled and incinerated in Scotland for calendar year 2021. The corresponding data set for all waste generated and recycled in Scotland during 2021 will be published in March 2023.

Total waste landfilled in Scotland

The total quantity of waste landfilled in Scotland in 2021 was 3.2 million tonnes, an increase of 587,000 tonnes (22.4%) from 2020.

The increase was largely due to more soils (increased 297,000 tonnes, 35.7%) and sorting residues (increased 221,000 tonnes, 32.1%) being landfilled from 2020. These increases are likely due to a resumption of construction activity in Scotland following extended lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions in the previous reporting period. 

The waste landfilled in Scotland statistics are available on SEPA’s website  

Waste incinerated in Scotland 

The total quantity of waste incinerated in Scotland in 2021 was 1.35 million tonnes, an increase of 93,000 tonnes (7.4%) from 2020. Sorting residues made up a third (33.3%) of all waste incinerated (450,000 tonnes, up 74,000 tonnes – 19.5%). 

This increase is likely to due to a resumption of construction activity in Scotland after pandemic restrictions and an increase in treatment of residual waste, which was delayed in 2020 due to pandemic lockdowns at local authority recycling centres.

Hazardous waste comprised 0.2% (2,000 tonnes) of waste incinerated in 2021 and was solely composed of hazardous health care and biological wastes.  

The waste incinerated in Scotland statistics are available on SEPA’s website. 

Gary Walker, Waste and Landfill Tax Manager at SEPA, said: “The latest official statistics reflect the reality of the easing of COVID pandemic restrictions, as household waste recycling centres re-opened.

“While Scotland has seen a reduction in the amount of waste generated in the last decade, the latest figures are a timely reminder of the need for a continued focus on recycling by us all.

“Recycling is a simple daily step everyone can take to build a more sustainable Scotland. We can all make choices to reduce the amount of waste we generate and keep products and materials in use for as long as possible through re-use and recycling to help Scotland tackle the climate emergency.”

Tory MSP calls for increased funding for Public Services across Lothian

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has spoken about the need to increase investment in public services across the South East of Scotland to meet growing demand – while at the same time his party is urging the Scottish Government to cut the highest rates of tax in line with England!

During a debate at Holyrood yesterday on Scotland’s Population – Meeting the Needs of our Communities, Economy and Public Services – the Conservative MSP said that “Edinburgh and the South East continues to be a resilient region and the only part of the Scottish economy which has seen continued economic growth.”

Mr Briggs went on to say that this should not “mask the huge pressures which are facing our public services.”

Scottish Government funding for NHS Lothian as well as Edinburgh City Council are at their “lowest level” according to Mr Briggs, while the region is projected to have a growing population, leading to greater demands on services.

Local authorities in Lothian have the fastest growing populations in Scotland. 

Midlothian is predicted to have the fastest growing population in Scotland, 13.8%, East Lothian the second fastest at 7.2%, City of Edinburgh sixth fastest, 6.6% and West Lothian seventh fastest, 5.9%. These local authorities all have much faster predicted population growth than the Scottish average of 3.5%.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has previously campaigned for a change to the formula which determines funding for NHS Boards, saying that NHS Lothian has not been receiving their fair share over the last ten years.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The financial sustainability of delivering public services is becoming more difficult to deliver here in Lothian and it is time for SNP-Green Ministers to recognise this.

“The fact that levels of homelessness and children living in temporary accommodation are at their highest anywhere in Scotland is a direct consequence of not being able to deliver on local housing outcomes.    

“NHS Lothian is seeing an unprecedented demand on services and waiting times for treatments are unacceptably long.”

If only there was a magic money tree …

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has rebuked the UK Tory Government’s reckless ‘growth plan’ …

Pop-Up Play Cafe at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

Pop-up Play Cafe for children 0-7 and families in Pilton, Granton, Muirhouse and Drylaw area, with:

@Alt_NEArts

@SSNorthEd

@PiltonComHealth

@froebelfutures

@EdinburghUni

Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th & Saturday 8th October 9.30am – 3pm

Let us know you’re coming here: https://tiny.cc/playcafe

£450,000 funding support for Public Library projects

Culture Minister Neil Gray has announced Scottish Government funding of £450,000 to support library services across Scotland.

Mr Gray announced the opening of the 2022/23 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) today on a visit to Rutherglen Library to see the impact the Memories Scotland project has had on the community. 

Funded by the PLIF, the Memories Scotland project launched in May, giving libraries across Scotland the opportunity to open their rich local history collections to the public, both online and in person. 

Helping to promote social inclusion in the community, these heritage resources also provide a focal point for Library Memory Groups which support people suffering from dementia and other forms of memory loss.

The Memories Scotland archive includes a collection of historical images, artefacts, film and audio on the themes of Working Life and Social Life.

Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “The network of library-based memory groups across Scotland is a great example of what libraries can achieve with support from the Scottish Government’s Public Library Improvement Fund.

“The Covid pandemic increased the impact of isolation for many individuals within our communities, particularly those living with dementia, and for them these memory groups are a real life-line.”

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) distribute funding on behalf of the Scottish Government and will award the 2022/23 Public Library Improvement Fund to public library projects focusing on:

  • Economic wellbeing (support for the cost of living crisis)
  • Bridging the digital divide (recognising that data poverty has become an even bigger issue as a result of the pandemic and cost of living crisis)
  • Closing the attainment gap (in recognition that children and young people need the support of the local library now more than ever); and
  • Sustainability, which SLIC sees as an overarching theme of its strategy, Forward, which focuses on sustainable development goals

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of SLIC, said: “The Public Library Improvement Fund supports creative, sustainable and innovative public library projects throughout Scotland.

“These projects support the vision set out in Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025, as well as the Scottish Government’s Net Zero ambitions. Focusing on the themes of People, Place & Partnership, the PLIF places significant emphasis on ensuring that the impact of these projects is sustained beyond the one-year period of the funding.

“Leaving behind a valuable legacy of skills, experience, resources and partnerships that will continue to benefit the community for years to come, these projects help to map out an exciting future for Scotland’s public libraries and the role they play in communities across Scotland, and we can’t wait to see what ideas the services submit this year.”

The Public Library Improvement Fund 2022 is now open to applications and will close at 12pm on Wednesday 2November 2022.

For more information on how to apply, visit: The Public Library Improvement Fund (scottishlibraries.org)

Report finds nation’s EYE Q is missing the mark & putting millions at risk of avoidable sight loss

One in three of us will suffer sight loss in our lifetime, yet half of this could be avoided. Routine eye tests, to ensure early detection and treatment of eye conditions, and adopting healthy lifestyles are key to preventing unnecessary sight loss; however, the findings of a new report reveal many of us lack even the most basic ‘know-how’ when it comes to looking after our vision and eye health.

“Many of us lack even the most basic ‘know-how’ when it comes to looking after our vision and eye health”

The Eye Q report, commissioned by Eye Health UK and Thomas Pocklington Trust to mark National Eye Health Week (19–25 September), found just one in four of us rate routine eye tests as important for maintaining good eye health. Worryingly, the report also found more than 17.5million of us haven’t had an eye test in the last two years, as recommended; with men and minority ethnic groups most likely to skip this essential health check.

As well as fears about the cost of eye care, the misnomer that ‘if your eyes are fine you don’t need to have an eye test’ was a common reason not getting eyes checked.

The report also uncovered a shocking lack of awareness of ‘reg flag’ symptoms linked to sight-threatening eye conditions. Despite being symptoms of retinal detachment – a condition requiring urgent treatment to avoid permanent sight loss – only one in five of us (19%) would seek same-day medical attention if we suddenly saw lots of flashes and floaters in our vision, and fewer than half of us (48%) would take urgent action if we saw a shadow, veil or curtain over our vision.

When it comes to understanding how lifestyle can impact risk of sight loss, a meagre eight per cent of us link exercise and eye health despite evidence showing being physically active can slash the risk of visual impairment.

Eighty per cent of us are in the dark about the eye health benefits of eating a nutritionally-balanced diet; just four in 10 (38%) understand exposure to the sun’s UV can impact eye health, and, a paltry 13 per cent link smoking and sight loss, even though smoking is a direct cause of sight loss, including macular degeneration – the UK’s leading cause of blindness.

Awareness that the menopause can affect eye health was also woefully low, with just 13 per cent of peri- & menopausal women making a connection between the two, despite ‘the change’ triggering dry eye and blepharitis, and, increasing the risk of glaucoma and cataracts.

UV protection is vital to prevent poor eye health and future sight loss, however, one in five believe eyes only need protecting on sunny days, when in fact, eyes should be protected whenever the UV index rises to three or more,[5] even if the skies are cloudy, as 90 per cent of UV can transmit through the clouds.[6]

With increasing screen use more and more of us are suffering screen fatigue – headaches, sore or tired eyes and temporary blurring of our vision – because we don’t know how to be screen smart. Just one in seven of us follow the 20-20-20 rule [look away from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds]; only 28 per cent adjust room lighting and four in five don’t consciously blink.

Other misconceptions about factors that can have a negative impact on vision and eye health include:

  • 75% of us think it’s okay to shower in contact lenses. It’s not. Contacts should be removed before showering to prevent water-borne infection.
  • 72% of us are unaware of the dangers of using old mascara. Using mascara that’s been open for more than three or four months is a common cause of eye irritation and infection.
  • 65% of us think reading in dim light could damage our eyes. It won’t. It will simply highlight any existing imperfection.
  • 56% of us are unaware that rubbing our eyes could be harmful. However, excessive rubbing is linked to keratoconus – a condition that distorts your vision.

With little knowledge about how to care for our eyes and factors that can affect them it’s probably no surprise the report found 77 per cent us suffered poor eye health in the last 12 months, whilst more than half of us (52%) say our daily lives have been disrupted by the quality of our vision – affecting our ability to do, or enjoy, daily things like household chores, driving, reading or our hobbies.

The state of our eye health also affected our emotions and mental well-being. Fifty-five per cent of respondents say their vision affected their mental state – leaving them feeling frustrated (24%), anxious (16%) or stressed (13%). The affect of eye health on mental state was particularly prevalent amongst people living with sight loss[7], with 76 per cent saying their vision had affected their mental health.

Commenting on the report David Cartwright, optometrist and chair of Eye Health UK said: “With 60 per cent of us worrying about our long-term vision it’s time for us to wise up and learn how to look after our eyes.

“Making some simple changes to our lifestyle and having regular eye tests could give your eye health a boost and prevent future sight loss.”

Mike Bell, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at Thomas Pocklington Trust added: “The Eye Q report has revealed how little knowledge there is about the importance of eye health, including amongst people already living with some form of sight loss.

“Looking after your eyes is just as important as looking after the rest of your body. Regular eye health checks can help prevent or limit the damage done by many eye conditions. They can also help identify the signs of other health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. The message is clear, get regular eye health checks and never ignore changes in your vision.”

Visit the National Eye Health Week website (visionmatters.org.uk) to check your risk of future sight loss using on the online eye health calculator.