Clearly a good time to get eyes tested

An optician in Paisley is encouraging members of the public to get their eyes tested.

To mark Diabetes Week, which runs until June 17, the team at Specsavers is highlighting the risk of losing sight due to diabetes.

Throughout the week, the Specsavers store in Moss Street will be raising awareness of the importance of eye tests in detecting indicators of health conditions.

Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave CBE is backing the campaign after admitting that losing his sight is one of his biggest worries.

Having diabetes means he is up to 20 times more likely to lose his sight than those without the condition.

Sir Steve said: “Going blind is, unfortunately, a very real threat for me.

“Until I was diagnosed with the condition, I was totally unaware of its implications on sight and, having lived with diabetes for more than 20 years now, I can’t stress enough the importance of regular eye tests at your opticians and check-ups at the nearest diabetic screening programme.

“Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I’ve learnt how important it is to get regular eye checks to detect signs of diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness.

“The eyes are a window to general health, so visiting your optician should be part of your routine for staying fit and healthy.

Gail Thompson, store director at Paisley, said: “Many people are unaware that eye tests are not only critical for your eyes, but your wider health too.

“At Specsavers, we offer digital retinal photography for free as part of a standard eye test for customers aged over 40.

“This takes a detailed picture of the back of your eye and the microcirculation of blood – helping to highlight indicators of diabetes that need addressing alongside the diabetic eye screening programme.”

For further information on Diabetes Week, visit www. specsavers.co.uk