Doug Naysmith MP today joined RNIB to launch their national glaucoma campaign in parliament. The campaign will see the charity touring 13 UK cities, including Bristol, to raise public awareness of the condition that if undetected can lead to sight loss, without obvious symptoms in its early stages.
Dr Naysmith said, “ I am concerned that everyone in Bristol North West gets their eyes tested at least every two years. Glaucoma can lead to blindness if it is not treated and we need to do more to raise public awareness of the condition, especially amongst people with a family history of glaucoma, and people from African backgrounds, who are more at risk. I am happy to support RNIB’s campaign.”
Steve Winyard, RNIB’s Head of Public Policy, said: “We are delighted that Dr Naysmith is supporting our campaign as it is hugely concerning that detection of glaucoma is so low and that so many people are needlessly losing their sight through what is essentially a treatable condition. That’s why regular eye tests are so vital. An eye test can save your sight.
“People need to be aware that glaucoma does not necessarily have any symptoms and that once you do have the symptoms it’s too late. Up to 40 per cent of useful sight can be lost before a person realises anything is wrong - but if caught early enough glaucoma can in nearly all cases be successfully treated and no sight need be lost.”
THOUSANDS NEEDLESSLY GOING BLIND
A report published by RNIB today (1) to coincide with the campaign launch shows a shocking lack of awareness of glaucoma with one in five people having never heard of the condition. Only two per cent of people aware of glaucoma knew it could lead to “tunnel vision” and just three per cent knew it could have no symptoms. Also less than one in five people knew that people with glaucoma or those specifically at risk were eligible for free eye tests.
Steve Winyard continued: “The simple message to everyone is - have regular eye tests. An eye test can save your sight. This is even more important to people over 40 and those with a close relative with glaucoma as they are at higher risk. People of African origin are four times more likely to develop glaucoma.
“RNIB is calling on the Government to fund a major public education campaign to promote the importance of eye tests as vital health checks which ensure the early detection of eye disease and the prevention of blindness.”
The campaign is supported by broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald as well as other celebrities including writer and comedian Jenny Eclair and is launched today at a parliamentary event at the House of Commons. RNIB is also holding a series of seminars for health and social care professionals around the country and begins a 13-city UK “Roadshow” on 3 June where it will be holding exhibitions and providing information and advice to the public on glaucoma.
