Keeping an eye on your health
They say your eyes are the window to your soul but did you know that they are, in fact, a fantastic indicator of your overall health?
With National Eye Health Week taking place from 19 to 25 September, there’s no better time to take stock of your health.
Having good vision is something that many of us take for granted but it is not guaranteed. Anybody of any age can develop problems with their eyes, which is why it is so important to have regular eye tests, which are free and funded by the NHS in Scotland.
At Specsavers, we work with you to help you look after your eyes, and first and foremost, we want to encourage as many people as possible to make sure they go for regular eye tests, which are free in Scotland.
With over 60 stores across the country, we have an extensive network of optometrists dedicated to keeping your eye health in top condition.
Working in partnership with RNIB to transform eye health
Specsavers has joined forces with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to help transform eye health and reduce preventable sight loss in the UK.
A report examining the state of the nation’s eye health revealed nearly 14 million people in the UK are not having their eyes tested every two years as recommended by optometrists.
Despite universal free sight tests being introduced in Scotland in 2006, 25 per cent of adults did not know they are eligible for free NHS sight tests.
Martin O’Neill, divisional chair of Specsavers Scotland, says: ‘We’re reaching out to the people of Scotland to encourage them to take better care of their sight and of the eye health of their families.
‘People should have their eyes tested every two years or more frequently if recommended. A routine eye test that includes a thorough eye health check not only helps detect problems with your vision, it can also screen for more general health problems and a wide range of conditions that can lead to sight loss if not treated in time.
‘Early detection and timely intervention is critical to managing any eye health condition. Nearly half of all sight loss cases are preventable as regular eye tests could detect any warning signs before it’s too late.’
Minor eye health conditions services from Specsavers
A newly commissioned survey into Scotland’s eye health has revealed that many people are not aware that Specsavers stores treat minor eye conditions for free.
The research from Specsavers has unveiled that 78 per cent of respondents didn’t know treatment for minor eye conditions like watery eye, dry eye and sticky eye is delivered by Specsavers stores, and funded by the NHS.
The majority of people who had experienced minor eye conditions said they did not seek advice from an optician – 64 per cent have sought treatment from a doctor and 38 per cent have visited the chemist.
Martin says: ‘The Specsavers experience is not limited to eye tests and dispensing glasses - every store in Scotland is now able to deliver additional eyecare services provided by qualified optometrists.
‘Many customers still don’t come to us first for acute eyecare problems and this recent survey reflects the lack of awareness of what we offer.’
‘If your eyes aren’t feeling quite right, or if you have any concerns about your eye health, give your local Specsavers store a call. Qualified optometrists will always be on hand to provide help and advice.’