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Following a recent talk by Dr Burns, Optometrist from the RVH we have rewritten our guidance sheet for Flashes and Floaters and what to do if you notice any.The majority of people with flashes and floaters will have nothing wrong with their eyes - however 10 to 20% may have a retinal tear or detachment or need reviewed at the Belfast Eye Casualty. This is a serious eye condition that can be managed if detected early enough and treated quickly.It is essential that you act promptly and phone your local practice as soon as possible - if they are closed, phone another of our branches or another local optometrist in your area. You cannot contact Eye Casualty directly - you need to have a referral from an optometrist or sometimes your GP.<hr><h1>Flashes and floaters</h1>Tiny spots, lines, flashes or shapes in your vision are known as flashes and floaters. Lots of people experience them and they usually aren’t cause for alarm. Below we explain what causes flashes and floaters and when you should be concerned.<h4>What are flashes?</h4>As we age, the jelly inside your eye shrinks a little and tugs on the retina (the light-sensitive layer) at the back of your eye. This can cause flashes of light at the edge of your vision. This is different from the disturbance of vision that can happen with a migraine.<h4>What are floaters?</h4>Often, people who have healthy eyes see floaters. They appear as spots, lines or cobweb effects, usually when you look at a plain surface such as a white wall, screen or a clear blue sky. They are usually caused by cells clumping together in the clear jelly (vitreous) in the main part of your eye and casting shadows on your retina – the light-sensitive layer of the eye. The sudden appearance of new floaters is different and although may be caused by the jelly shrinking, they can sometimes mean there is a tear in the retina.<h4>When should I be concerned?</h4>If you suddenly notice a shower of new floaters, or floaters along with flashes or a dark shadow or a ‘curtain’ in your vision, these symptoms can mean that the retina is tearing. If you notice any of these symptoms, you need prompt advice and attention. You should contact your optometrist as soon as possible (urgently). This examination should normally be covered free of charge under the NIPEARS scheme.WE WILL HAVE TO DILATE BOTH OF YOUR EYES AT THIS APPOINTMENT - YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE FOR A NUMBER OF HOURS AFTERWARDS!!<h4>What will happen if the retina tears?</h4>The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye which receives images and sends them to your brain. If the retina tears, it may come away from the back of the eye and can lead to a retinal detachment which can result in you losing part or all of your vision.If we discover a retinal tear or detachment, we will refer you by CCG to the Regional Acute Eye Service (Belfast Eye Casualty) at the Royal Victoria Hospital. They will phone you to make an appointment.It is very important to TOTALLY REST until your appointment time.PLEASE NOTE THAT EYE CASUALTY WILL DILATE BOTH EYES WITH STRONGER DROPS - YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO DRIVE ALL DAY. PLEASE USE A TAXI, BUS OR HAVE A FELLOW DRIVER.Your appointment time at Eye Casualty is your time for triage - you will likely be there for a number of hours - cases are taken after triage on a priority basis. Please take snacks and entertainment.<h4>How is retinal detachment treated?</h4>If Eye Casualty discovers a tear, it will normally be treated on the same day by using a laser. However, if your retina has become detached, you will need surgery which may be up to a few days later. The Registrar or Consultant will advise you of the options and nature of any surgery.<img src="https://admin.mackeyopticians.com/uploads/28111950_20231127_151543_L4_2024_12_18_16_25_18_5a6a935615.jpg" alt="28111950-20231127@151543-L4 2024-12-18 16_25_18.jpg" width="2881" height="1392"><h4>If we don’t discover a retinal tear or detachment...</h4>Most people (over 80%) do not have a tear or detachment and we will discharge you. They often have had a PVD (Posterior Vitreous Detachment) where the jelly/ vitreous shrinks and pulls away without a tear in the retina. Expect your current floaters to continue for weeks and probably months before settling down.However we strongly advise you to look out for the following:<ul><li>Any change in your flashes or floaters, especially if getting worse or more frequent.</li><li>A black shadow in your vision.</li><li>A sudden cloud of spots.</li><li>A curtain or veil over your vision.</li><li>Any change in vision. If you notice any of these, contact your optometrist again urgently.</li></ul>Please note that Eye Casualty will not see you unless you have been referred by an Optometrist or sometimes your GP. Do not go to regular A&amp;E. If we are closed, please try and contact one of our other practices or phone another Optometrist in your area.RETINAL DETACHMENTS CAN LEAD TO BLINDNESS IF NOT TREATED ASAP - DON’T DELAY !

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Flashes and Floaters - what to do?

Our 75th Anniversary Sale - Week 3: Even More Brands, Even More Savings!We’re continuing our 75th Anniversary Sale with even more exciting offers!Starting today, enjoy 20% off on *GUESS and GANT frames , alongside our existing brands on offer: Ray-Ban, Oakley, Calvin Klein Jeans, and Longchamp.Visit your nearest Mackey Opticians branch to discover the latest styles and take advantage of this incredible offer.Stay tuned for next week’s final announcement! We’ll be adding our final two big-name brands to our sale.

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75th Anniversary Sale Week Three - GUESS & GANT

Even More to Love! 20% Off Calvin Klein Jeans, Longchamp, Ray-Ban, and OakleyOur 75th Anniversary Sale continues to heat up! This week, we've added two more incredible brands to our sale: Calvin Klein Jeans and Longchamp.That's right! You can now enjoy 20% off all Calvin Klein Jeans and Longchamp frames, in addition to our ongoing offer on Ray-Ban and Oakley.Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your style. Visit your nearest Mackey Opticians branch today.Stay tuned for more exciting announcements in the coming weeks!<img src="https://admin.mackeyopticians.com/uploads/BF_24_Week2_A5_Poster_d4f72b0f7c.png" alt="BF24 Week2 A5 Poster.png" width="3352" height="4760">

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75th Anniversary Sale Week Two -Calvin Klein Jeans & Longchamp

We're kicking off our 75th Anniversary celebration with a bang! For the first week of our sale, enjoy 20% off all Ray-Ban and Oakley frames.This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for exciting announcements next week as we unveil even more incredible deals on top eyewear brands.Our Anniversary Sale runs until the end of December, so there's plenty of time to upgrade your eyewear.Visit your nearest Mackey Opticians branch to explore our collection and take advantage of this limited-time offer.<img src="https://admin.mackeyopticians.com/uploads/BF_24_week1_A5_Poster_6e41870bc0.png" alt="BF24 week1 A5 Poster.png" width="3352" height="4760">

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75th Anniversary Sale Week One - RayBan & Oakley!

<h4>What is NI PEARS?</h4>Northern Ireland Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Service (NI PEARS) is a service provided by most optometry practices across Northern Ireland for patients who develop a sudden eye problem.The NI PEARS service is for patients who develop a sudden eye condition such as:<ul><li>Red eye(s)</li><li>Pain and/or discomfort in the eyes, or around the eye area</li><li>Sudden reduction in vision in one or both eyes</li><li>Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and/or floaters in one or both eyes</li><li>Something in your eye that you can’t remove yourself</li></ul><img src="https://admin.mackeyopticians.com/uploads/Metal_FB_118b7c0f19.png" alt="Metal FB.png" width="648" height="604">Bit of metal (metallic foreign body) stuck in corneaIf you are unsure whether your symptoms qualify you for an NI PEARS examination, please contact your local optometry practice for advice.Mackey Opticians offer NIPEARS across all of our 14 practices. If a practice isn't open or doesn't have an optometrist available that day, you can contact one of the other Mackey Opticians practices close to you, or another optometrists. We will be happy to direct you if needed.Appointments are available during normal working hours and you will be seen within 48 hours.You must be registered with a GP in Northern Ireland and bring your Health and Care number which is on your medical card.<img src="https://admin.mackeyopticians.com/uploads/Chalazia_0fa81a4ff1.png" alt="Chalazia.png" width="745" height="646">Chalazia<h4>What happens at an NI PEARS assessment?</h4>The optometrist will discuss your eye problem including the symptoms you may have, any history of eye problems and related medical history. You will be given a thorough eye assessment to enable the optometrist to investigate your condition. The optometrist will explain your condition and may:<ul><li>Give advice and treatment if required or</li><li>Refer you to your GP if your eye condition is related to your general health or</li><li>Refer you directly to the hospital eye service if the condition is more serious</li></ul>If your condition is minor and non-sight threatening, the optometrist should be able to manage it in their practice. They may recommend an eye medication and will either direct you to your pharmacist to purchase the medication or give you a form to take to your GP to have a prescription issued.The optometrist may also recommend a follow up appointment.<img src="https://admin.mackeyopticians.com/uploads/corneal_abrasion_aee7ab74ee.png" alt="corneal abrasion.png" width="1330" height="860">Corneal abrasionTo find your local Mackey Opticians, visit <a target="_blank" rel="" href="http://mackeyopticians.com/branch-locator/">mackeyopticians.com/branch-locator/</a>

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Northern Ireland Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Scheme

As we age, our bodies go through many changes, and one area that often needs a bit of extra attention is our eyes. For those over 60, eye care becomes especially important as it helps maintain good vision and overall eye health. Whether you're noticing changes in your sight or not, it’s never too late to give your eyes the care they deserve. In this article, we’ll talk about common eye concerns for seniors and share some simple, family-friendly tips to help keep your eyes in top shape.<h3>Why Eye Care is Important as You Age</h3>Our eyes change over time, just like the rest of our body. While this is a natural part of aging, regular eye care can help prevent or manage issues that may arise, such as:<ul><li>Presbyopia: This is the difficulty in seeing close-up objects that usually starts in your 40s or 50s and becomes more noticeable with age.</li><li>Cataracts: A clouding of the eye's lens, cataracts are very common in people over 60 and can cause blurry vision.</li><li>Glaucoma: A condition caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if untreated.</li><li>Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This affects the central part of your vision and can make reading or recognizing faces more difficult.</li><li>Dry Eyes: With age, our eyes may produce fewer tears, leading to dryness and irritation.</li></ul>Many retired people are much more active today than when they were working so it’s very important to try and keep your eyesight as good as possible especially to keep driving as long as possible, and doing whatever interests you have. As you get older good vision is also essential to prevent falls – a recent American study has shown that one in four adults with poor vision has recurrent falls, and half of adults with poor vision then limited their activity due to a fear of falling.The good news is, with regular check-ups and a few lifestyle adjustments, many of these conditions can be managed or even prevented and good vision maintained till late in life.<h3>Family-Friendly Tips for Healthy Eyes</h3>Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or just someone who wants to look after yourself, eye care doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s dive into some simple and practical tips that you and your loved ones can follow to keep your eyes healthy.1. Have Regular Eye Check-upsJust like getting your blood pressure or cholesterol checked, visiting your optometrist regularly is essential. Even if your vision seems fine, an annual eye exam can catch problems early before they become serious. Your optometrist will check for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, and other age-related eye conditions. Many practices offer advanced eye exams with extra screening using OCT 3D Tomography – these help pick up earlier signs of glaucoma and macular degeneration than using traditional tests.2. Eat a Healthy, Eye-Friendly DietA nutritious diet does more than just keep your waistline in check – it also keeps your eyes healthy! Foods rich in antioxidants, such as leafy green vegetables (like spinach and kale), carrots, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and tuna), are excellent for your eyes. Family meals can be a great time to incorporate these foods into your diet, ensuring everyone benefits.3. Stay Active and Manage Health ConditionsRegular physical activity helps improve circulation, which in turn can help your eyes stay healthy. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can affect your vision if not managed properly, so maintaining an active lifestyle is key. You don't have to run marathons – even a daily walk with the family can make a difference.4. Protect Your Eyes from UV RaysJust like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays. When you’re out and about with family, be sure to wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. Not only will you look stylish, but you'll also protect your eyes from potential damage that can increase the risk of cataracts and AMD.5. Limit Screen TimeThis may sound like advice you give to your grandkids, but it applies to seniors too! Prolonged screen use (whether it's your computer, smartphone, or television) can lead to eye strain and discomfort. If you enjoy reading or watching TV, try following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.6. Keep Your Eyes MoisturizedDry eyes are a common issue for seniors, especially if you spend a lot of time in heated or air-conditioned environments. To combat dryness, use over-the-counter artificial tears or talk to your doctor about other treatments if needed. Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier at home can also help keep your eyes moist.7. Quit SmokingIf you or a loved one smokes, quitting can have a big impact on eye health. Smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts, AMD, and other serious eye conditions. It’s never too late to quit, and your eyes (and the rest of your body) will thank you!<h3>Get the Whole Family Involved</h3>Caring for your eyes doesn’t have to be a solo effort – getting the whole family involved can make it easier and more enjoyable. Plan family meals rich in eye-healthy nutrients, schedule walks or light exercise together, and remind each other about annual eye exams. These activities not only help with eye health but also strengthen family bonds.<h3>When to See an Optometrist</h3>It’s always a good idea to check in with your optometrist if you notice any changes in your vision, such as:<ul><li>Sudden blurriness</li><li>Difficulty seeing at night</li><li>Frequent headaches</li><li>Double vision</li><li>Seeing flashes of light or "floaters"</li></ul>Your eye health is just as important as the rest of your body, so don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor if something feels off. If you notice any changes like these, you can have an emergency appointment free of charge under the NIPEARS scheme with participating optometrists.<h3>Conclusion: Enjoying Life with Healthy Eyes</h3>Looking after your eyes as you get older doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. By incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine, scheduling regular check-ups, and staying proactive, you can enjoy clear, sharp vision for many years to come. Remember, your eyes help you connect with the world – and they deserve all the love and care you give the rest of your body. So, grab those sunglasses, go for a walk with the family, and keep looking after those precious eyes!To book an advanced eye examination, book online or phone your local practice at <a target="_blank" rel="" href="http://mackeyopticians.com/branch-locator/">mackeyopticians.com/branch-locator/</a><h4>Also check out:</h4><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.mackeyopticians.com/news/love-your-eyes/">Love your Eyes | Mackey Opticians</a>

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Eye Care for Seniors

With Halloween just around the corner we want you all to have only treats this year! So please be careful you don't get tricked when it comes to wearing costume cosmetic contact lenses!Mackey Opticians do not provide Halloween cosmetic contact lenses, and we would not recommend wearing them, unless you have purchased them through an optometrist who has fitted them for you and ensured they will not be doing any damage to your eyes.However, we understand at this time of year these lenses are very tempting to give your costumes that extra fear factor, so, if you do plan on wearing these lenses we would like to ensure you follow these contact lens wear and care steps to reduce the chances of anything frightening happening that could ruin your Halloween fun.DON’T! Use saline solution to wash or store your lenses:Saline solution, though sterile and safe for your eyes, does not sanitise your lenses effectively. Instead make sure to use a multipurpose contact lens solution, such as Opti-Free Puremoist solution, which is available to purchase in all Mackey Opticians branches. Solutions such as this will clean and disinfect the lenses and are also safe to store your lenses in, just be sure to empty the solutions from the case and add in new solutions each time.DO! Wash your hands before handling your lenses:Ensure to wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing your lenses. Avoid hand sanitiser at this step as this can dry out your lenses and cause irritation to your eyes.DON’T! Share contact lenses with anyone else:Avoid borrowing or wearing lenses if they are not yours, even if they are non-prescription lenses that have been disinfected previously. Wearing lenses that have been worn by someone else is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe damage or infections to your eyes.DO! Insert your lenses BEFORE applying any make-up:Putting in lenses before applying your make-up will lessen the risk of bacteria or debris getting trapped under your lenses that could cause infections. It will also help you see more clearly when applying the make-up if you use prescription lenses.DON’T! Sleep, shower, or go “bobbing for apples” with your contact lenses in:When wearing your contact lenses, it is best to avoid getting any water near your face or eyes. Water can contain chemicals like chlorine or bacteria that can both affect the quality of your lenses and more importantly the health of your eyes if trapped under a lens. As well as avoiding water it is particularly important NOT to sleep in your lenses as, without blinking to replace your tear film, contact lenses will dry our overnight and can be extremely painful and difficult to remove the next morning which in turn will cause a lot of damage to the surface of your eye.DO! Speak to an optometrist or doctor if anything goes wrong when wearing cosmetic lenses:If you wear your cosmetic lenses and something feels wrong or off, even if you have followed the above steps, make sure to speak with a professional right away. In Northern Ireland there is a scheme for sudden onset minor eye conditions called NI PEARS that will allow you to be seen under the NHS if you have any issues with your eyes. If you need to book a NI PEARS appointment, please contact your nearest Mackey Opticians branch and we will do our best to see you.If you like the idea of contact lenses, not just for Halloween, contact your nearest branch to book a very “unscary” contact lens fitting appointment.

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Avoid a fright this Halloween

National Eye Health Week 2024There are lots of simple things that you can do to help keep kids’ eyes healthy.Essential eye checksHaving regular sight tests, every two years, unless you’re advised otherwise by your optometrist, is a great place to start.Sight tests will ensure any problems such as childhood conditions like squint and amblyopia (lazy eye) or myopia (short- sightedness) are picked up early.The sooner problems are identified the better the treatment outcome.Remember sight tests are free on the NHS for all children under 16 years.Eat a rainbowEating a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables helps ensure young eyes get the nutrients they need to grow healthily.Foods like tomatoes, grapes and blueberries as well as fish, eggs and whole grains are packed with eye–friendly nutrients.Go out and playThere is evidence that spending two hours or more a day outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia, even if there is a family history of the condition.So, make sure children go out to play whatever the weather.Be safe in the sunIt’s also really important to protect kids’ eyes from the sun.When you’re young the lens at the front of your eye is really clear and lets more of the damaging sunlight in.Check kids’ sunglasses carry a UKCA or UV 400 mark to ensure they offer adequate protection.Take a breakChildren should be reminded to take regular breaks whenever they do any intense close work like scrolling on a phone or reading a book.Encourage them to look up at least every 20 minutes and relax their eyes for 20 seconds.Teenagers viewing smart phones should hold the screen at least 30cms away from their face to avoid eye strain.Tell-tale signsIt’s often difficult to tell if your child is having problems with their eyes but some tell-tale signs that there could be something wrong include struggling to recognise colours and shapes; not showing any interest in learning to read; complaining about headaches and sitting very close to the TVIf you recognise any of these symptoms you should arrange for your child to have a sight test.

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Keeping kids’ eyes healthy

National Eye Health Week 2024Half of all sight loss is avoidable, so it’s vital we're aware of the ‘red flags’ that could signal a threat to our vision, and know where to seek help to prevent irreversible vision impairment.Conditions like retinal detachment, severe forms of uveitis, certain types of glaucoma, as well as corneal abrasions and infection can all cause sudden and permanent sight loss.&nbsp;The warning signsAnybody suddenly experiencing the following symptoms should contact their local optician without delay:• A curtain, veil or shadow in your vision• Sudden sight loss or double vision• Acute redness in one or both eyes• Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light)• Severe eye pain• Suddenly seeing lots of flashes or floaters (little dots or squiggles).&nbsp;For most, these symptoms will be caused by a minor condition that is easily treatable, however, it’s very important to rule out serious eye complaints that can lead to sudden and permanent vision loss, and these symptoms should be checked out within 48 hours and often on the same day if possible.The emergency eye examination will be free of charge under the NIPEARSs scheme (see below for more details)Urgent medical attention should be sought if you have a foreign body in your eye that you can’t flush out at home using an eye wash - for this you can try and contact us under NIPEARS but you may need to go to your local A&amp;E or Minor Injuries if they still exist in your area - especially if the foreign substance in your eye is alkali (caustic) which may require constant irrigation for up to 30 minutesTreating eye emergenciesMany of us think high street opticians only offer routine sight tests but more and more now provide a wide range of enhanced services, including same day NIPEARS appointments for urgent eye care issues. All Mackey Opticians practices offer NIPEARS although we don't always have an optometrist on-site every day and we will try to get you an appointment on the same day or within 48 hours at one of our practices.These services are free on the NHS, even if you don’t qualify for NHS sight tests.If you require medication to treat your condition the optometrist can often write a prescription for you there and then or refer you to hospital care, if necessary.Accessing the wide range of services available at community opticians helps reduce the burden on other primary care services such as GPs and ensures eye conditions are diagnosed and treated early to prevent avoidable sight loss.Further reading:<a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.mackeyopticians.com/news/emergency-eyecare-now-available-at-all-mackey-opticians/">Emergency Eyecare now available at ALL Mackey Opticians practices | Mackey Opticians</a>

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Could you the spot the signs of an eye emergency?

<hr>National Eye Health Week 2024New research launched to mark the start of National Eye Health Week (23-29 September) reveals a staggering 19 million Brits are putting their physical and mental health at risk by failing to have regular eye tests [1].Routine eye tests are essential health checks for the prevention of poor health. In addition to identifying problems with eyesight they can also detect a range of other ailments including high blood pressure (hypertension), raised cholesterol, heart disease, brain tumours and risk of stroke.Poor vision is linked to numerous chronic and life-limiting conditions [2]. A new study from Johns Hopkins University reveals up to one in five dementia cases are directly linked to eyesight issues [3].Even a relatively minor reduction in vision (6/12 – half way down an optometrist’s letter chart) is associated with a significant reduction in quality of life and increased risk of depression (3xrisk), falls (double risk) and early death (double risk)[4].David Cartwright, optometrist and chair of Eye Health UK urges everyone who hasn’t had an eye test in the last two years to book one and explains: “Sight-threatening eye disease and conditions like hypertension can present with no, or few, noticeable symptoms. If caught early though they can be treated, or successfully managed, before they become a problem.”David continues: High-street optometrists play a crucial role in improving health opportunities for all. As well as caring for the nation’s eye health and preventing avoidable sight loss [5], optometrists can direct people to get the help they need for a wide-range of illnesses, including the 400,000 adults in the UK estimated to be living with undiagnosed heart failure and 88,000 people living with undetected brain tumours [6].”Read <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/downloads/hugo-fairbanks-weston-brain-tumour-diagnosis.pdf">Hugo’s story</a> for a powerful account of how an eye examination led to the diagnosis and successful treatment of his brain tumour.People from low-income households, men, and people from minority ethnic backgrounds were most likely to have skipped a recent eye test, whilst 2.5 million over 65s admit they haven’t had their eyes checked in the last two years, as recommended.Fear of cost needn’t be a barrier to having an eye test. Sight tests are free on the NHS for more than 30 million Brits including children, over 60s and those on income-related benefits.David Cartwright explains: “NHS-funded provision means eye care services are accessible for all. Free sight tests and optical vouchers are available for many, including those on low incomes and people at increased risk of poor eye health due to age or medical history. People unable to leave home unaided are entitled to free domiciliary (at home) eye tests; whilst local ICBs (Integrated Care Boards) or local NHS area teams commission translation and interpretation services ensuring a patient’s language or communication skills are not barriers to eye care.”Eye Health UK’s research also highlights the impact poor eye health is having on our day-to-day lives. Around half (49%) of adults in the UK say that the quality of their vision affects their ability to do, or enjoy, daily activities like household chores, driving, reading and hobbies.As well as having regular eye tests, once every two years, unless advised otherwise by your optometrist, there are a number of other ways we can protect, or improve, our sight.Lifestyle habits have a significant impact on eye health regardless of genetic predisposition.&nbsp; Your diet, weight, activity levels and alcohol consumption can all affect your eye health.Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays and not smoking will help keep your eyes and vision healthy.Multiple studies also show spending two hours+ a day outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia (short-sightedness), even if there is a family history of the condition.Explore the rest of the vision matters website for helpful advice and information on caring for your eyes.&nbsp;-------------------------------Footnotes[1] OnePoll survey of 2,000 Adults representative of the UK population conducted 6th to 10th September 2024 on behalf of Eye Health UK to mark National Eye Health Week (23-29 September 2024). Population estimated using UK data correct as at Jan 2024. Total UK population aged 18+ = 56.3 million. 36% have not had an eye test in last two years, 4% can’t remember last time they had an eye test. [2] Health problems with links to poor eye health include, but are not limited to: diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. [3] <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology￼[4]">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology [4]</a> <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c1711￼[5]">https://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c1711 [5]</a> Half of all sight loss is avoidable. Source: Deloitte Access Economics (2017) Incidence and risk of sight loss and blindness in the UK Royal National Institute of Blind People [6] Source Heart Failure estimate = British Society for Heart Failure 2024. Source for Brain Tumour estimate The Brain Tumour Charity. Published: 23 September 2024

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