David Blunkett MP raises awareness of eye healthcare services in Sheffield

This release was issued by the Sheffield Local Optometric Committee after a visit by Mr Blunkett on 5 March.

On Friday, 5th March 2010, David Blunkett MP visited his local opticians to raise awareness of eye health services available in Sheffield, and called for everyone to have regular checkups.

The visit was hosted by the Sheffield Local Optometric Committee at Martyn Kemp Opticians, and was attended by patients, GPs, the PCT and local charities. During the visit, they took the time to tell Mr Blunkett the benefits of eye health services in a community setting. They highlighted the accessibility and convenience of being able to attend routine checkups on their local high street.

There are over 2 million people in the UK at risk of losing their sight and regular eye tests are the simplest way to reduce the high numbers of people needlessly losing their sight from treatable eye conditions. Many practices also provide extra NHS eye care services such as diabetic retinopathy screening, glaucoma management schemes and pre- and post-operative care for cataract patients.

Following his visit, Mr Blunkett said: “Many people don’t know about all the eye-care services available to them in Sheffield. I hope my visit will help to highlight what is on offer locally. I was particularly impressed with the range of modern equipment now available and the ease of use.

“The service is not just concerned with sight-loss conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, which can be identified and treated. It’s also about potentially life-threatening diseases, like diabetes.

“I encourage everyone to make an appointment with their local optician. If you are under 16 or over 50 on a low income, you’re probably entitled to a free NHS Sight Test.”

Commenting on the visit, resident optometrist Martyn Kemp (pictured with Mr Blunkett) said: “We work very closely with GPs and hospital eye departments in managing ongoing eye health issues. Local optometrists are ideally placed to provide all patients with routine check-ups and can help patients to manage their eye health in an accessible community setting. 

“With regards to ongoing contract negotiations, we look forward to playing a greater role in eye healthcare, helping our patients to successfully manage their eye health.”

Dr Jeremy Wight, Director of Public Health, NHS Sheffield, said: "Looking after your eyes is important. It can help prevent avoidable loss of vision and even blindness. It's important people with diabetes go along for eye screening when invited, as they are at greater risk. Generally, we can all reduce our risk of eye disease and lots more besides, by not smoking, eating sensibly and moving more."

ENDS

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This release was issued by the Sheffield Local Optometric Committee after a visit by Mr Blunkett on 5 March. On Friday, 5th March 2010, David Blunkett MP visited his local opticians to raise awareness of eye health services available in Sheffield, and called for everyone to have regular checkups. The visit was hosted by the Sheffield Local Optometric Committee at Martyn Kemp Opticians, and was attended by patients, GPs, the PCT and local charities. During the visit, they took the time to tell Mr Blunkett the benefits of eye health services in a community setting. They highlighted the accessibility and...