David Morris MP has visited his local Optometrist to have his eyes tested and to raise awareness for National Eye Health Week.
The Morecambe & Lunesdale MP met staff at Philip Jones Opticians in Carnforth and spoke to one patient who had her eyesight saved after Mr. Jones identified Temporal Arteritis and sent her for an urgent appointment with her GP.
Research shows that 50 % of UK blindness is avoidable and illnesses such as Diabetes can cause blurred or distorted vision. With any eye test it is possible that Diabetes can be prevented from affecting eye sight.
One of the leading causes of sight loss in the UK is Age-Related Macular Degenaration, this condition can be preventable by booking an eye examination.
Speaking from Philip Jones Opticians David Morris MP said:
“It was nice to meet Philip and his staff, I was able to have a look around and have an eye test. I wear glasses and always have done so to me an eye test is routine but I would urge people even those who believe their eye sight to be good to have an eye test at their local opticians.”
1.8 Million people in the UK are living with sight loss. For 53% of these a simple sight test and new spectacles could really help.
National Eye Health Week runs from Monday 16th September – Sunday 22nd September and is supported by Dame Judi Dench.