https BOOK AN EYE TEST ONLINE menu

Welsh Eyecare Campaign Honoured

eye test Wales

“About 100,000 people live with sight loss in Wales alone”

We published an article recently about the staggering levels of avoidable sight loss in Wales, and the steps being taken to improve the eye health of adults and children across the country.

We are pleased to report that efforts to improve the public’s awareness of eye health in Wales have seen some significant results. The ‘Look After Your Eyes’ campaign, which ran throughout July last year, has gained recognition through a prestigious national award.

Welsh Eyecare Campaign

The initiative, which saw hundreds of people in Wales with eye health problems referred by their pharmacist to optometric practices for further investigation, received the Multidisciplinary Innovation Award at the Chemist and Druggist Awards on June 12th 2014.

look after your eyes campaignThe ‘Look After Your Eyes initiative was established in partnership with Optometry Wales, Public Health Wales, Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW) and the RNIB Cymru.

“Regular sight tests and education around the importance of good eye health is a priority for public health professionals. This is why we are working together to encourage people to get down to their local community pharmacy”

 Professor Sir Mansel Aylward CB, Chair of Public Health Wales

“As part of the campaign, pharmacies will be reminding the 50,000 people who visit a pharmacy every day that around 50% of all sight loss is avoidable with early detection and treatment.”

Community Pharmacy Wales

The scheme advised people how living a healthier lifestyle could protect their vision in the long term. This included how smoking and obesity have been linked to age related macular degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy. Pharmacists focused particularly on patients who have been diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and educated them on how to use their medication correctly.

All 714 pharmacies across Wales took part, and this award recognises its resounding success.  According to Optometry Today, 50% of Optometry Wales’ members received at least one referral from a pharmacy, with 15% receiving five or more.

Sali Davis, Chief Executive of Optometry Wales, was delighted to receive the award on behalf of the partners and optometry professionals across Wales. She said:

“It is great to have this sort of UK recognition for Welsh healthcare professions working together. All the partners are really thrilled.”

Sali Davis, Chief Executive, Optometry Wales

We are delighted to see schemes like this receiving the recognition that they deserve for tackling eye health and awareness in Wales head on. We are happy to be one of the opticians contributing to that goal.

If you are due for an eye test, or have been experiencing eye health problems, visit your nearest opticians today. We have branches in Cardigan, Narberth and Pembroke Dock. Please call in or get in touch to book an appointment.