During Healthy Eye Awareness Week, from January 16 to 22, Specsavers stores in Galway are raising awareness of the importance of regular eye tests in helping reduce preventable sight loss.
An eye examination at an optician's provides a comprehensive health assessment of the eyes and can detect signs of a number of sight-threatening conditions including cataracts and glaucoma, which, if detected early, can be more successfully treated.
Store director at Specsavers Galway stores, Noel Meehan, said: "We want to help educate people about the importance of looking after our eyes, as the gift of sight is something that many of us take for granted. Many of us resolve to improve our lifestyle in the New Year, yet few of us probably think about booking an eye test as part of that. But this campaign is not just about focusing on eye health for one week in January, it is about making your eyes a priority for 2017 and spreading the importance of eye health to your family, friends, and colleagues."
Optometrists recommend people have eye tests every two years. Mr Meehan continued: "Far beyond assessing how well you can see and if you would benefit from glasses, an eye test provides a broad health assessment. In our store we introduced free digital retinal photography as part of our regular eye tests several years years ago, allowing us to detect and monitor many conditions, including glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and in extreme cases, tumours.
"Cutting edge eyecare technology is found throughout the store, including Digital Precision Eyecare, a new way of selecting and fitting customers’ glasses using imaging software on tablet devices. What’s even better is that with Specsavers you can now book your eye test within seconds online by simply visiting our website at www.specsavers.ie/expert-eyecare "
To learn more about Healthy Eye Awareness Week visit www.facebook.com/HealthyEyesIreland, or show your support on social media by using the hashtag #healthyeyes.
