9th February 2023
Robert Shilliday, RNIB; Permanent Secretary DoH Peter May, Raymond Curran, Head of Ophthalmic Services, DoH; Joe Kenny, RNIB and service users.
One in five us will experience sight loss in our lifetime, but did you know that over 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable?
Currently across Northern Ireland, there are 57,500 people with sight loss, with this figure expected to rise by over 25 per cent by 2032.
RNIB, alongside the NI Eyecare Network (RNIB Northern Ireland, the Department of Health, the Public Health Agency and Optometry NI), want to highlight that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lives, but that over 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable.
A routine eye examination can often pick up the first signs of a condition with the potential to cause sight loss even before there are any symptoms. Early detection and intervention could save your sight, or keep your condition under control.
Speaking at a recent #EyeCareWeCare awareness roadshow at Ballymena’s Fairhill Shopping Centre, Department of Health Permanent Secretary, Mr Peter May said:
“I understand that sight is the sense people say they fear losing the most, yet an appointment with their optometrist is the one they are most likely to miss, cancel or avoid.
“An eye test could save your sight, or detect other underlying illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer. I urge everyone to follow advice and attend routine eye appointments at least once every two years – even if there is no change in your vision.”
Robert Shilliday, RNIB Northern Ireland’s Country Director and Co-Chair of the NI Eyecare Network, said: “We want to ensure we are reaching as much of the population as possible with these eye health messages.
“The #EyeCareWeCare campaign also seeks to connect the 57,500 blind and partially sighted people currently living in Northern Ireland with all the available forms of services and support across the statutory, community and voluntary sectors.”
For further information on eye health and support services, visit www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/how-to-keep-your-eyes-healthy/
Permanent Secretary Peter May experiencing a blindfolded walk assisted by RNIB NI’s Joe Kenny and Kirsty Campbell.