Two Edinburgh women are backing a national campaign by charity RNIB Scotland, which has expressed concern that the covid crisis may lead to a rise in preventable sight loss if people neglect eye-treatment or regular check-ups.
During National Eye Health Week this week [September 20-26th], it will remind people that going for regular eye examinations remains as important as ever.
The Edinburgh-based charity’s director James Adams said: “A lot has happened over the past 18 months with the covid pandemic. But we must not neglect other health matters such as our vision because of this.
“Eye examinations are free in Scotland and can not only detect early signs of sight problems, possibly in time to arrest or reverse damage, but also sometimes pick up the symptoms of other conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. It is entirely safe to visit your local optometrist.”
Julie Mosgrove, vice-chair of Optometry Scotland, said: “We have been communicating regularly with our members to share the latest Scottish Government guidance throughout the pandemic in relation to personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing measures.
“We would stress the importance of attending regular eye examinations as this is a vital health check that can detect a number of conditions and prevent avoidable sight loss.”
[LINK to short video of Hazel – https://vimeo.com/606607762/abc91c907b]
Edinburgh resident Hazel Kelly from Corstorphine has described how an eye examination prevented her own sight condition getting worse.
“In my case, after a routine check-up by my optician, they picked up on something and referred me to my local eye hospital, where I was diagnosed with the beginning of two rare corneal conditions,” Hazel said. “This referral from my optician ensured I got early treatment which prevented me from actually going blind. And while I still have issues, if these conditions hadn’t been picked up earlier then the outcomes for me could have been far, far worse.”
Kirin Saeed also from Edinburgh, backed Hazel’s message from her own experience of sight loss. “I believe eye tests are incredibly important,” she emphasised, “because they’re free and you can make sure that the precious gift that we all have, which is eye-sight, is kept safe and secure.”
LINK to short video of Kirin – https://vimeo.com/606608270/790e09c9c6
According to the recent ‘State of the UK’s Eye Health 2021‘ report there were 4.3 million fewer eye tests across the UK in 2020, a 23 per cent drop compared to the last 12 months.
RNIB provides high quality information about all aspects of eye health, and a wide range of support to people experiencing problems with their sight, from emotional reassurance and counselling, to practical help with new technology and welfare benefits.
* Contact RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.
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