Having an eye test at least every two years is as essential as regular trips to the dentist, say optical experts.
That is the message of the ‘Healthy Eyes’ campaign which takes place this week, led by the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI ) and the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO ) Ireland.
Healthy Eyes encourages everyone who has not had their eyes checked in the past two years to visit their local optical practice for an examination. Information and promotions will be available across the country this week through local Optometrists and Opticians.
To support Healthy Eyes Awareness Week, the AOI and FODO Ireland are encouraging people to post a photograph of themselves on social media using the hashtag #EyePledge and holding the Healthy Eyes pledge card, which can be downloaded here.
Further information and additional electronic resources can be found on the Healthy Eyes website at www.health-eyes.ie and via the campaign’s Twitter page @healthyeyes2018.
AOI CEO, Sean McCrave said: “Having an eye test at least once every two years is just as essential as a regular trip to the dentist to check that you or your children are in good health. An eye exam is not just to determine if you need glasses or contact lenses, it is a vital health check that can lead to the prevention of serious eye conditions.”
FODO Ireland executive chair, Garvan Mulligan added: “Our research shows that over half of people in Ireland have not had an eye exam in the last two years, which is the recommended period between check-ups. If at any stage people notice changes in the appearance of the eye, pain or discomfort they should see their local optical practice without delay.”
It was estimated that in 2010, 224,832 people in Ireland were suffering from visual impairment and this is expected rise to 271,996 by 2020 – a 21 per cent increase.
