Eye Care We Care campaign

Everyday in Britain 100 people start to lose their sight. In many cases, however, a simple, regular eye check-up is all that's needed to avoid long-term damage to your sight.

• Everyone, including children as well as people who think they can see perfectly well, should have a thorough eye examination at least every two years

• In some circumstances, your Optometrist may recommend more frequent NHS sight tests. For example, if you're diabetic, or 40 or over and have a family history of glaucoma

• Eye examinations are an essential health check; just like regular visits to the dentist they should be a part of everyone's normal health regime

Find out how you can support the campaign

Click image for poster

The need for the campaign is clear: every day in the UK, 100 people start to lose their sight. Yet, one in four adults still are not having regular tests on their eyes; 10% of 12 and 13 year-olds have undetected problems with their vision, and only one in four children are getting the free eye tests to which they are entitled*.

According to Dr Huw Pinney, Chairman of Kent & Medway Local Optometric Committee which is supporting the campaign, "People often don't realise that in many cases sight loss can be avoided simply by having regular eye tests. That's why I'm supporting KAB's Eye Care We Care campaign".

If you'd like to find out more about the campaign please get in touch with Karen Osborn, Chief Executive at Kent Association for the Blind. You can phone Karen on 01622 691357 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Did you know that high blood pressure, diabetes and some heart conditions can all be picked up through eye tests before other symptoms have been spotted?

* RNIB 2002, Action for Blind People 2008, Aston Eye Study 2007, The Information Centre for Health and Social Care 2007

Read related stories in the news:

Daily Mail; 23 January 2009

Daily Mail; 21 February 2010