Eye care professionals and leading sight loss charity the RNIB, are calling on the general public to keep their eyes happy and healthy by getting regular eye tests and making lifestyle choices that will safeguard their sight.
Eye Health Week has been organised by the RNIB, a member of the Alliance and takes place between 6 and 12 October 2008. The campaign will promote the health benefits of regular eye tests and help people of all ages to understand that even though their eyesight might be fine, their eyes aren't necessarily healthy.
Up to 70% of blindness in the UK could be prevented through early detection and treatment of eye conditions. Regular eye tests are one of the best ways to reduce the risk of a developing a sight-threatening condition.
The Eye Health Alliance’s Head of Public Affairs Heather Marshall said; "The message of Eye Health Week is simple: an eye test is a vital eye health check that could save your sight. We'll also be encouraging people to give up smoking, protect their eyes in the sun and eat their greens to help keep their eyes healthy and happy.“
In April 2008 eye health professionals and the voluntary sector joined forces to launch the UK Vision Strategy to improve the eye health of the nation. RNIB’s Eye Health Week is just one of the initiatives working towards achieving that goal.
Notes to Editors
The Eye Health Alliance is a coalition of the professional and representative optical bodies and eye care charities including RNIB.
For more information please contact Heather Marshall on 020 7202 8157.
