The Trust has produced a range of new resources designed to help practitioners highlight the importance of ensuring motorists’ vision is roadworthy.

All drivers’ have a legal responsibility to ensure their sight is fit to drive every time they get behind the wheel of a car, yet worryingly, research conducted by the Trust found more than half of us (53%) admit we have difficulty seeing clearly when driving at night.

Poor vision can put motorists and other road users at increased risk after dark, so with the long nights beginning to draw in, now is the perfect time for drivers to MOT their eyes.

The template press release, poster and fact sheet provide valuable advice and information about how to drive safely after dark.

The Trust has produced two versions of the press release. The first links the campaign to World Sight Day (WSD) on 14 October and the second is a generic version of the release.

Click below to download copies of the resources or log-on to the member’s zone of the Eyecare Trust website http://www.eyecaretrust.org.uk/friends_main.php

WSD template release
Template release
Poster
Factsheet

The start of a new school year provided an ideal opportunity for the Trust to promote the importance of looking after your children’s eye health.

Trustee, Rosie Gavzey, conducted a number of high profile broadcast interviews with the likes of Radio 5 Live to encourage parents to take their children to their local optometrist for regular sight tests.

Whilst, Chairman, Dharmesh Patel provided advice on caring for your child’s eyes in a supplement published in The Independent on 21 September.

His top tips for keeping your child’s eyes healthy included:

• Take your child for regular sight tests with a registered professional
• Provide plenty of visual stimulation for the under eights to help encourage their eyes to focus and work together as a team
• Quit smoking. Smoking during pregnancy and around children can increase the risk of vision problems in infants
• Wear sunglasses. Children are at greatest risk of UV damage as they have bigger pupils and clearer lenses which allow up to 70 per cent more UV light to reach the retina than in an adult’s eye.
• Prevent eye injuries. Remove potential hazards from in and around the home (keep chemicals, sprays and sharp objects out of reach); supervise playtime and provide protective eyewear for dangerous sports.

Click here to download a copy of the Children’s Health supplement.

The Trust issued the following warning after a new trend emerged for wearing pupil enhancing cosmetic contact lenses.

"As Lady GaGa's new video, for her hit single Bad Romance, inspires a new trend in wearing cosmetic contact lenses the Trust warns that improper use and poorly fitted lenses pose a serious risk to your eye health.

In the UK all contact lenses including – including plano (non-prescription), novelty lenses and coloured contacts – must be supplied by or under the supervision of a registered optometrist, suitably qualified dispensing optician or medical practitioner*. However, dedicated followers of fashion are unwittingly putting their sight at risk by importing circle contact lenses from unregulated overseas websites.

Circle lenses cover part of the sclera (the whites of your eyes) with a ring of colour surrounded by a black border to enhance the iris and make your eyes appear bigger and more attractive. The lenses sit directly on the delicate surface of the eye so the risk of infection and causing trauma or injury is high.

Poorly fitting lenses, extended wear and poor hygiene habits can all lead to series eye infections, corneal ulcers, abrasions and even loss of vision.

Common problems associated with unsupervised contact lens use include: red, sore or gritty eyes; a watery discharge; dry eyes; sensitivity to the light; headaches; blurred vision and in severe cases, reduced visual acuity.

Follow the Trust's top tips for wearing cosmetic contacts to help safeguard your eye health and keep your eyes looking gorgeous, sassy and bright:

• First, go for an eye examination at your local optometrists who will advise you on your suitability for contact lenses.
• Take advice on the best sort of lens for your needs.
• Only buy from a registered optical professional who will give essential advice on how long and how often you can wear the lenses, handling, cleaning, storage and aftercare.
• Ensure you go for regular check-ups of both your contact lenses and eyes.
• Disinfect and clean your lenses and any storage case daily in the recommended solution to kill any micro-organisms that may cause infection.
• Daily disposables should be disposed of daily!.
• Never wear anyone else's lenses or allow them to wear yours.

And, remember, if in doubt, take them out!

If your eyes hurt, look red or feel irritated remove the lenses immediately and seek professional advice.

Visit www.eyecaretrust.org.uk for further advice or log on to the BCLA website http://www.bcla.org.uk/en/consumers/index.cfm.

* Opticians Act 1989 (Amendment) Order 2005

Rosie Gavzey presented advice on wearing and caring cosmetic contact lenses on Radio 5 Live and the BBC World Service.

The Trust has also been advising pharmacists on issues arising from improper use of cosmetic contact lenses.

Have you uncovered an underlying health problem when carrying out a routine eye examination?

Do you think your patient would be interested in having their story told in the national / local media?

If so, read on . . .

The Eyecare Trust is currently looking for case studies to highlight the importance of having regular eye examinations.

So if you have uncovered signs of a serious eye condition or a general health problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tumours, or even MS then we would love to hear your patient’s story.

If you think you have a patient that would make a good candidate for a case study or would like further information about how you could get involved please contact Rachel Robson in the Eyecare Trust press office on 01225 423394 or email rachel@knowles-cadbury-brown.co.uk.