Your eyes matter. Whether it’s a minor irritation or a serious condition, knowing where to turn for trusted advice is key.
NHS inform offers clear, reliable guidance on a wide range of eye conditions—from conjunctivitis and diabetic retinopathy to deafblindness and eye cancer.
If you or someone you know is waiting for treatment or support, RNIB Scotland ’s Waiting Well service is also available to provide advice.
Check out the links in our comments and explore symptoms, treatments, and when to seek help!
Scottish Conservative MSP Sue Webber is highlighting National Eye Health Week by visiting local opticians, ClearVue Opticians, on Lanark Road West.
She 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.
Sue Webber, MSP for Lothian, says: “I’m proud to support National Eye Health Week and highlight just how important regular eye examinations are.
“In Scotland, these checks are free for everyone and play a vital role in spotting eye conditions early, as well as identifying wider health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.
“I would urge people to book an appointment with their local optometrist at least every two years, or more frequently if recommended.”
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 22 to 28 September 2025 to highlight the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.
RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: “Regular eye tests are vital, not just for protecting sight but also for detecting a range of wider health conditions at an early stage. We’re encouraged to see more people coming forward for eye examinations, but it’s important that everyone feels confident and comfortable accessing them.
“At RNIB Scotland, we’re here to support anyone who is experiencing changes in their vision and may be worried about what this means. Together with other charities, we can offer advice and guidance to help people make informed choices about their health. No one should face an eye condition diagnosis without the right support.”
Optometry Scotland, says: “During National Eye Health Week we are pleased to collaborate with RNIB to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.
“As part of our commitment to public health in Scotland, we want to remind everyone that NHS-funded eye exams are available and accessible to all.
“Eye examinations not only check vision, but also play a crucial role in detecting eye and general health conditions early to support overall wellbeing. We’re also proud to work with RNIB in facilitating MSP visits across the country which help to spotlight the value of eye health at both local and national levels.
“Together, we can ensure more people understand the importance of these services and take proactive steps to protect their sight.”
Specsavers at Shandwick Place in Edinburgh is celebrating it’s over two decade long commitment to promoting better eye health in the local community this National Eye Health Week (22nd – 28th September).
As a locally owned and run store, Specsavers Shandwick Place is dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of people in the area. The high street retailer is keen to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye checks this National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22nd – 28th September 2025.
With figures from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) revealing that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime*, Specsavers Shandwick Place is urging locals to prioritise their eye health.
Store director, Aly Uka says: ‘Many people don’t realise that sight loss can often be prevented or treated if a condition is caught early.
“Regular eye tests are essential for everyone, even if you think your vision is fine. Eye tests are not just about glasses, they can detect serious conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even high blood pressure or risk of stroke.’
National Eye Health Week highlights how preventative care and early diagnosis are crucial in reducing unnecessary sight loss.
According to RNIB, 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight every day, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages*.
Eye health can also be affected by screen fatigue, especially as more people spend time on devices. Specsavers recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away to help reduce strain and preserve vision.
As a long-standing part of the Shandwick Place community, Specsavers is focused on highlighting that essential health services must be accessible and visible to everyone.
For more information on Specsavers Shandwick Place or to book an appointment, call the store on 0131 240 8860 or visit:
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:
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.
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.
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 Committeeadds, “‘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 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.”
National Eye Health Week | 22–28 September
Check out the links in our comments and explore symptoms, treatments, and when to seek help!
