It’s party conference season and the Eye Health Alliance is there!
2 September 2008
The Eye Health Alliance has been gearing up for an exciting presence at this year’s party conference season, which will run from the 15th of September to the 3rd of October. This year the Eye Health Alliance is Vice Chair of the Health Hotel, a coalition of health organisations and charities, which organises a series of events at the political party conferences. The Eye Health Alliance has been working closely with Health Hotel members and other key health stakeholders to make a lasting impression on Parliamentarians and policy makers. The Eye Health Alliance has teamed up with Macmillan Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Care for the fringe event, which will focus on long term conditions and how to get care right.
With an ageing population the number of people with a long term condition, such as wet age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma is set to increase to unprecedented levels. The early detection of conditions through screening and testing, such as eye examinations, will play an increasing role in health services across the nation. Ann Keen MP and Health Minister, Anne Milton MP and Conservative Health Spokesperson, as well as John Pugh MP are among some of the speakers due to make an address at the Eye Health Alliance’s fringe event.
Additionally, the Eye Health Alliance has a central space in the main exhibition hall at all three of the party conferences, where delegates will have the opportunity to have their eyes checked and learn more about the importance of eye health. Heather Marshall, Head of Public Affairs at the Eye Health Alliance comments, ‘the optical sector’s presence at party conferences is a fantastic opportunity to drive forward the debate on eye health, and build on our success over the last two year. By raising our profile amongst key decision makers and the health community we will increase our ability to influence and shape eye care policy across the UK.’
For more information, please contact Sarah Lapham, Public Affairs Officer, Eye Health Alliance on 0207 202 8159 or sarahlapham@aop.org.uk
