Tag: National Eye Health Week

Double-take as Specsavers showcases the art of optometry

Scottish shoppers did a double take this week as a pop-up art exhibition turned out to be more than meets the eye.

The images – which, from a distance, could be mistaken for abstract art – turned out to be sophisticated scans of the inside of the eye.

Specsavers unveiled the display at Princes Square in Glasgow during National Eye Health Week, to demonstrate the importance of checking your eye health and to showcase the technology that  is allowsing early detection of sight-threatening conditions.

The pictures were OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scans – advanced eye scans which can help to identify serious conditions, such as glaucoma, up to four years earlier than traditional methods.

Jennifer Stephenson, Chair of Specsavers Scotland, says: ‘We were inspired to showcase these images after a customer had his first OCT scan and made an off-the-cuff remark about it resembling an abstract artwork.

‘While it made us laugh, it also prompted us to put some images on public display to raise awareness of OCT, demonstrate the incredible technology we have at our disposal today and the ways in which it is helping us to make important diagnoses.’

OCT scans are separate to eye tests – they take just a few seconds and the 3D images produced show what’s going on beneath the surface of the eye.  Opticians can examine all the layers inside the eye to get an even clearer idea of your eye health.

Each image on display in Glasgow showed a different eye condition, explained the tell-tale signs of those conditions in the scans, and gave information on symptoms and treatments. 

The images were supplied by Birmingham Optical, an exclusive supplier of NIDEK OCT machines for the UK optical industry.

To find out more about OCT visit: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) Scan | Specsavers UK

MSP visits local optometrist for National Eye Health Week

Miles Briggs MSP has visited local opticians McGraths Opticians in Edinburgh, ahead of National Eye Health Week.

He is backing the awareness week’s key message that going for regular eye examinations, which are free for everyone in Scotland, remains as important as ever in protecting your sight.  

Miles Briggs, Conservative MSP for Lothian, says: “Meeting today with McGraph’s Opticians in Edinburgh, I heard directly about how important regular eye tests are for public health.

“National Eye Health Week is an opportunity to highlight how essential having a regular eye exam is.

“I encourage everyone to make sure they get an eye test, which is free in Scotland, at least every two years.”

National sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, and Optometry Scotland, the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland are promoting this year’s National Eye Health Week which takes place from 23 to 29 September 2024 to highlight the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all. 

Positively, recent research from Public Health Scotland indicates that there has been an increase in eye examination uptake this year compared to last. There was a 6.7% increase across NHS Lothian for NHS funded eye examinations.

RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams says: “Having a regular eye test is important for people’s wider health – they can pick up early signs of sight threatening conditions as well as many other underlying health conditions.

“We are encouraged by a recent increase in the uptakes of eye tests, however we need to make sure everyone feels comfortable getting one.  

“We’re here to support anyone experiencing changes in their vision and is worried about what this could mean. Along with other charities, we can provide the advice and support so you can make an informed decision about your healthcare. No one should go through an eye condition diagnosis without support.” 

Optometry Scotland’s Executive Committee adds, “‘We are proud to collaborate with RNIB Scotland during National Eye Health Week.

“As part of our commitment to improving public health in Scotland, we want to encourage everyone to make use of NHS-funded eye examinations. These vital checks are not just about vision correction but are essential for the early detection of eye conditions and overall wellbeing.

“We are also grateful to work alongside RNIB Scotland in organising MSP visits, further highlighting the importance of eye health across the nation. By ensuring the public knows about the accessibility of these services, we can help safeguard the eye health of communities across Scotland.’ 

Lothian MSP Backs National Eye Health Week With Opticians Visit

Lothian MSP Jeremy Balfour is highlighting National Eye Health Week by visiting local opticians, Cameron Optometry, on Saint Vincent Street in Edinburgh.

He is backing the awareness week’s key message that going for regular eye examinations, which are free for everyone in Scotland, remains as important as ever in protecting your sight.

Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, says: “I’m backing National Eye Health Week to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye examinations.

“These are free for everyone in Scotland, and they can help to detect eye health conditions early, as well as other general health conditions.

“I encourage everyone to make an appointment with their optometrist every two years, or more often if advised.”

Optometry Scotland, the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland and national sight loss charity, RNIB Scotland are promoting this year’s National Eye Health Week which takes place from 18 to 24 September 2023 to highlight the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all. 

RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: “Research shows that sight is the sense people fear losing most. Yet we can be surprisingly complacent about it.

“We’re here to support anyone experiencing changes in their vision and is worried about what this could mean. We can provide the advice and support so you can make an informed decision about your healthcare.

“No one should go through an eye condition diagnosis without support.” 

Julie Mosgrove, Chair of Optometry Scotland, says, “We’re pleased to see Mr Balfour visit one of our member practices to hear more about the fantastic work the team there does in the local community.

“National Eye Health Week is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the fact regular eye examinations can help to detect not only eye health conditions but also general health conditions, as well as picking up changes in your prescription. These conditions can include glaucoma, but also high blood pressure, strokes and in some cases brain tumours, although this is thankfully rare.

“Your vision matters, and we recommend that people have an eye examination every two years, unless they are advised by their optometrist to have them more frequently.”