Tag: Eye Health UK

‘Put your devices down!’

Opticians issue rallying call to young patients as part of National Eye Health Week

Children in Edinburgh have been urged to ‘ditch the devices’ as part of a nationwide screen amnesty to promote the importance of good eye health.

Independent optometrists have encouraged people to take good care of their eyes as part of National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22-28 September.

The awareness campaign aims to promote the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye exams.

Ross Grant, manager of McGraths Opticians in Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, said: “Research shows half of all sight loss is avoidable, so we want to inspire our patients to make some small lifestyle changes that could make a big difference to their vision and eye health.

“As part of this year’s National Eye Health Week we’re advocating a screen amnesty at 8:20pm (20:20) – a perfect opportunity for parents to get their children to put their screens down and give their eyes a rest before bedtime.”

Emma Greenhall, manager of Hendry Opticians in Blackness Road, Linlithgow, added: “Research has shown that spending too long on digital devices can have an adverse impact on eye health. We want to keep our young patients seeing better for longer, so reducing screen time can really help with that.”

On average, people in the UK spend a staggering 35 hours a week staring at a computer screen, with 90 per cent saying they experience screen fatigue – tired or irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches and poor colour perception.

Screen users can avoid eye strain by using the 20-20-20 rule, especially if they’re using a computer for long periods of time. Look 20 feet in front of you every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.

Organisers of National Eye Health Week have also issued a series of top tips such as eating a balanced diet featuring plenty of fruit, vegetables and nuts; quitting smoking; regular exercise and having regular eye exams, with a check-up encouraged at least once every two years.

During seven days of intense activity, the campaign will educate people about how to look after their eyes and inspire them to take action to protect their vision and prevent avoidable sight loss in the future.

Each day will focus on a different theme including; primary eye care services, children’s eye health, sports vision, eyes at work, ageing eyes and ‘live well to see well’.

For more information or to book an appointment visit:

 www.mcgraths.co.uk or www.hendryopticians.co.uk 

Warning UK faces dramatic rise in number suffering sight-threatening eye disease

More than 1.6 million new cases of sight-threatening eye disease are forecast over the next decade – the equivalent of one new case every three minutes!

The analysis carried out by Eye Health UK for National Eye Health Week (22-28 September) uses data modelled by York Health Economics Consortium to predict future cases of the four most common causes of sight loss – cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

Future forecasting predicts a 24 per cent rise in the number of people suffering late age-related macular degeneration – the UK’s leading cause of blindness and a 13 per cent surge in cases of glaucoma.

David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK warns: “Urgent steps to tackle poor eye health, including greater uptake of sight tests and prevention strategies, are needed to avoid people suffering unnecessary and irrecoverable vision impairment. The good news though is half of all sight loss could be prevented with lifestyle changes, early detection, and timely treatment.”

Worryingly, four in ten Brits fail to have their eyes tested every two years, as recommended; with many people, particularly those living in socio-economic deprivation, rationing eye test attendance due to concerns about the cost of glasses, or delaying check-ups until symptoms cause concern.

This behaviour prevents early detection of eye disease and timely referral for sight-saving treatment.

Despite more than 30 million people being entitled to free NHS sight tests [6], and NHS optical vouchers being available to help with the cost of eyewear for those on low incomes, children and for people with complex prescriptions; a lack of awareness of these benefits perpetuates barriers to people attending routine eye checks and increases the risk of avoidable sight loss.

More than half (55%) of people on low incomes say they’re unaware of their entitlement to free NHS sight tests and fewer still (just four in 10) know about NHS help towards the cost of prescription eyewear.

Responding to the research, David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK comments: “Educating people about their entitlement to help with eye care costs is vital to improve uptake of routine sight tests and mitigate the rising prevalence of sight-threatening eye disease, that’s being driven by an ageing and unhealthy population.”

Conditions like macular degeneration can be detected early during routine eye tests, saving sight and reducing the economic burden of vision impairment – the lifetime cost of a new case of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in an adult aged 50 or over, causing at least moderate visual impairment, is £73,350.

Referral for medical treatment and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can halt or slow the progression of AMD.

Important lifestyle changes for AMD patients and those at risk of the disease include eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, leafy green vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids; exercising regularly; quitting smoking; maintaining a healthy weight and protecting their eyes from the sun’s damaging UV.

To help people assess their chances of suffering future eye disease and understand how they can reduce the risks, we’ve created an eye health calculator which can be found here

Free advanced eye tests offered for Scottish drivers over 70 ahead of new laws for motorists

  • Almost six million motorists could be affected by new laws forcing older drivers to prove their eyesight is road safe
  • Optical Express is helping older drivers manage changes with free Advanced Eye Tests during National Eye Health Week

Britain’s over-70s are being offered a complimentary Advanced Eye Test this September – as the government considers forcing older motorists to undergo mandatory vision checks.

The potential shake-up comes after shocking RAC figures1 showed UK road deaths increased to 1,633 last year, with nearly 30,000 killed or seriously injured. 

With nearly six million over-70s still on the road, and numbers increasing each year, experts warn the figures would get worse if action isn’t taken now. 

To help older Brits get ahead and retain their safe driving independence, Optical Express is making available to every over-70 in the UK an Advanced Eye Test, waiving the need for those applicable to pay any private fees for this service during National Eye Health Week (22–28 September 2025).

The Advanced Eye Test is available at select Optical Express clinics across the UK with no cap on the number of appointments offered – meaning anyone and everyone in the age bracket that is a member of the UK Public can claim.

Optical Express’ Advanced Eye Tests go beyond the standard check. Every patient who attends an Advanced Eye Test at Optical Express undergoes a series of diagnostic tests, the results of which are much more innovative than those provided during a standard eye test.  

They can spot early warning signs of eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, issues that often creep up unnoticed but can have an impact on driving ability.  

Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said: “Driving with poor eyesight is dangerous – for the driver, their passengers and everyone else on the road. 

“With the government now considering tougher rules for over-70s, it’s more important than ever that older motorists take their eye health seriously. Regular vision and health tests should be seen as every bit as essential as an MOT or insurance.

“This initiative isn’t just about road safety. Good vision also means independence, confidence, and the freedom to keep driving for longer, all of which contribute to a better quality of life.  

“By removing the cost barrier, we hope thousands of people will come forward for a free test during National Eye Health Week and take an important step towards protecting both their sight and their licence.”

Over-70s are being urged to book now to make sure their eyesight is up to scratch – and road safe.

For more information or to book a free Advanced Eye Test, visit www.opticalexpress.co.uk, call your local clinic or book in person.

Terms and conditions and the full list of clinics providing the service can be found at www.opticalexpress.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

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.