Mid and West Wales Assembly Member, Eluned Morgan pledged her support for National Eye Health Week (19 – 25 September 2016). Eluned Morgan said, “It’s so important for all of us to look after our eyes. I was delighted to learn of the new community-based eye care service launched earlier this year by Hywel Dda Health Board which means it will be easier for people to get treatment for wet AMD.
“Patients in Pembrokeshire and South Ceredigion can now benefit from care closer to home thanks to the £400,000 invested by the Welsh Government. National Eye Health Week is a great reminder of what’s available to help you should you need it”.
National Eye Health Week brings organisations and health professionals from across Wales and the UK together to raise awareness of the importance of good eye health and the need for regular sight tests.
Ceri Jackson, Director of RNIB Cymru and chair of the National Eye Health Week steering group in Wales, said, “Every day in Wales nearly 3 people lose their sight but 50% of sight loss is avoidable with early detection and treatment. The most important thing people can do to look after their eyes is to go for regular sight tests.
“Research shows that more than 1 in 10 of us has never had our eyes tested. Sight is the sense that people fear losing most yet many of us don’t know the best way to look after our eyes. We want to change that.
“A regular sight test can help detect eye conditions before you notice the effect on your sight, including health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
“NHS eye tests are free for people aged 60+ years, for children, for those on income related benefit, and those at risk of eye disease because of a family history.
“Having a sight test with an optometrist at least once every two years should be part of everyone’s health care routine.
I’m delighted that Eluned Morgan has pledged her support and hope that as many people as possible can join us during the week to raise awareness of this important campaign which will help stop people losing their sight unnecessarily.”
