National Campaign Reminds People Vision Matters

With more and more people experiencing short-sightedness, a local politician is encouraging residents to take better care of their eye health during a weeklong national campaign.

Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, is hoping National Eye Health Week, which runs from 24^th – 30^th September, will help raise awareness of the importance of having regular eye tests and inspire people to make healthier lifestyle choices that benefit their eye health.

Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss yet over half of sight loss can be avoided if people took better care of their eyes.  Regular eye tests are essential for maintaining healthy eyes but there are other small lifestyle changes that can be made, such as eating more healthily, exercising more, drinking less and quitting smoking, which can have a positive impact.

To coincide with National Eye Health Week, the Welsh Government has announced a £4m investment as part of measures to transform eye care services across the country.  The money will improve services to ensure patients are diagnosed and treated more quickly.

Decisions about exactly how the £4m will be allocated will be taken by the Welsh Government following advice from an independent panel.  The changes are being introduced following consultation with ophthalmologists and RNIB about the best way to ensure eye patients are seen and treated in good time.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Latest figures suggest nearly 107,000 people in Wales are living with sight loss and this is predicted to double by 2050.”

“The latest investment demonstrates the Welsh Government recognises the urgent need to address the situation.  Improving access and speeding up diagnosis will help ensure eye care services are fit for the future.”

“Research shows half of all sight loss is avoidable so I hope National Eye Health Week will inspire local residents to make some small lifestyle changes that could make a big difference to their vision and eye health.”