'Don't delay - check your eyes today', urges Roger Williams MP

11.45.51am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th Sep 2009

Roger Williams MP having his eyes tested by the Eye Health Alliance

Roger Williams MP met up with the Eye Health Alliance at this year's Liberal Democrat Party Conference to learn more about the importance of eye health and regular sight tests for people from all aspects of the local community.

Commenting at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Bournemouth last week, Mr Williams said:

"Many people just don't look after their eyes - I was shocked to learn that 50% of blindness in the UK could have been prevented through regular sight tests and screening programmes. Even if you think your vision is fine it is still important to check your eyes are healthy.

"I recently went for an eye test locally and would encourage everyone to have regular eye checks."

Photo of Roger's Retina

Roger Williams joined hundreds of other delegates at the Eye Health Alliance stand and got a photograph taken of the back of his retina (attached) with a retinal camera, which can pick up conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

The results of a recent study indicate that partial sight and blindness places a large economic cost on the UK, totalling £22 billion in 2008, much of which could have been avoided with an increase in take-up of regular sight tests. Additionally, these costs are expected to grow to £7.88 billion by 2013, partly as a result of an ageing population and an increase in the number of people living with long term conditions. (3) Therefore, the early detection of conditions through screening and testing, such as eye examinations, will play an increasing role in health services across the nation.

Eye tests are readily available on the high street. Many groups of people in England and Wales are entitled to a free NHS Sight Test such as all children under 16, those aged 60 and over and those on low incomes. (2)

Heather Marshall, Head of Public Affairs for the Eye Health Alliance points out:

"It's vital that people have their eyes tested at least once every two years. Eye health and regular sight tests are important for everyone - for children to develop socially and academically at school, for working age adults to go about their lives safely, and for older people to live independently and reduce the risk of accidents such as falls."