Home News Awareness campaign urges “Get your eyes checked”

Awareness campaign urges “Get your eyes checked”

0

It’s national eye health week (24-30 September) and the local NHS is working with community opticians across Lancashire and South Cumbria to encourage people to get their eyes tested.

NHS England Local Eye Health Network Chair Chris Dineen says people should have regular eye sight tests to protect their eye health and detect serious eye conditions early, such as glaucoma. Regular eye tests can also help to monitor your general health, with opticians trained to recognise the signs of diabetes and high blood pressure during eye tests.

Chris says: “Sight is the sense we fear losing the most. Children’s eyes continue to develop until they reach the age of about eight, so caring for a child’s eyes in the early years can help lay the foundations for good vision that lasts a lifetime.

“The sooner some problems are identified the better the treatment outcome. Remember eye tests are free on the NHS for all children under 16 years

“Through regular eye sight tests we can check for the early signs of eye problems in children such as reduced vision and in adults we can detect general health issues such as diabetes and blood pressure.

“If you can’t remember when you last had your eyes tested or have children, see your local optician and book a sight test.”

When you visit an optician, you’ll have your sight tested by an ophthalmic practitioner. It is recommended that you have a sight test every two years or sooner if you’ve been asked to do so.

Find out if you’re entitled to a free NHS sight test or an optical voucher to help reduce the cost of glasses or contact lenses. If you’re not eligible for NHS-funded sight tests or optical vouchers, you’ll have to cover the costs yourself.  To check the criteria for sight test funding go to NHS Eye Tests and Optical Vouchers

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here