LONDON, ENGLAND -- (Marketwire) -- 06/12/11 -- A collaborative venture by the optical sector, National Eye Health Week, launches today to raise awareness of the importance of regular sight tests.
-- Half of all sight loss is avoidable -- Sight loss may be preventable through early diagnosis
New YouGov research out today to mark the launch of the Week reveals financial pressures are having an impact on the nation's eye health and that millions of people across the UK are risking their sight, and potentially their lives, by not getting routine sight tests.
A number of angles are available including: public health implications of the lack of awareness; the risks of women's worrying attitudes to sight tests; and the impact of poor eye health on the nation's workforce.
David Scott-Ralphs, Chairman of National Eye Health Week, says: "This is a massive public health issue. Many people do understand the importance of a sight test, but there is great concern that they are still avoiding having one, often citing cost grounds. Many people qualify for a free NHS sight test and may also qualify for help with the cost of spectacles or contact lenses."
Regional breakdowns of the research are also available for the North East, the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the East of England, London, the South East, the South West, Wales and Scotland. Please email kate.stirzaker@salixconsuting.com.
Full details of the research back up Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) findings that 1.8 million cases of blindness in the UK over 50% would have been avoidable.
In addition to the research, a number of different events taking place during the Week will reveal a variety of issues and barriers to people taking sight tests. We have a number of case studies of people who have avoidable sight issues available to talk.
Supporting statements are available from actress Phyllida Law, author Sue Townsend and Sir John Major and a range of clinical and campaign spokespeople are also available for interview.
Further background info on the campaign is available at www.visionmatters.org.uk.
Contacts:
For more information on National Eye Health Week
please contact:
Kate Stirzaker
020 8675 4779
kate.stirzaker@salixconsulting.com
James Simpson
07541 714 446
james.simpson@salixconsulting.com
