5th December 2024 · Business Networx
Team Valley Specsavers celebrates first birthday with free eye tests for the rest of 2024
To mark the store’s first anniversary Specsavers Gateshead Team Valley is offering free eye tests to help raise awareness about the dangers of ignoring telltale signs of eye conditions that can lead to sight loss.
Specsavers Team Valley, team celebrating their one year anniversary.
The Specsavers Team Valley store has tested over 6,500 people since opening, and they are looking to test even more, for free, for the rest of the year.
The Team Valley store is also offering 50 per cent off OCT scans, remaining at £5 for the rest of 2024. This technology generates a 3D image of the back of your eye to help spot serious eye conditions, including glaucoma, up to four years earlier than traditional methods. There are over 7,000 people in Gateshead living with sight loss, according to latest figures. Statistics by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) show that by 2032 the number of people living with sight loss in Gateshead will rise to almost 8,000.
Among the conditions that can cause sight loss are age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. The RNIB figures also show that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime. Every day 250 people start to lose their sight.
This technology generates a 3D image of the back of your eye to help spot serious eye conditions, including glaucoma, up to four years earlier than traditional methods
Martin Dillon, ophthalmic director at the store, says: “The store was set up here as there was a lack of specialist care available to customers in the area without travelling further into town, and just that barrier can put people off keeping on top of their eye health.
“Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of common eye conditions are key to reducing the number of people suffering sight loss unnecessarily. A large percentage of sight loss could be avoided if people have their eyes checked regularly. Yet, despite sight being the sense that most people are concerned about losing, many people don’t actually have their eyes checked every two years.
“Regular eye health checks are important in preventing sight loss. They are essential for everyone, even if you think your eyes are fine, because damage can be done before you notice it. For example, an eye test can spot glaucoma years before people notice a change in their vision, and it can be treated if found soon enough.
“A sight test can detect other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, risk of stroke and heart disease. Not smoking, eating a healthy diet and staying active make a difference, but I would urge everyone to have an eye test every two years.”
In addition to underlying conditions, eye health can be affected by the overuse of electronic screens. Screen fatigue won’t permanently damage a person’s eyes, but it can make symptoms of existing eye conditions such as short-sightedness more pronounced. Martin adds: “These days, where we engage daily with computer monitors, mobile devices and TV screens, people suffer from screen fatigue. Overuse of screens without a break can result in dry eyes, tired eyes and even blurred vision. We should all give our eyes a rest by following the 20-20-20 rule – looking away from the screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes and focusing on something 20 feet away.
“It’s also advisable to break up screen time by spending time outdoors, enabling us to focus on things further away. Following all the 20-20-20 rule and having our eyes tested every two years will significantly reduce the occurrence of sight loss in our communities.”
For further advice or to book an eye test, visit the Specsavers Gateshead Team Valley store at Unit 26, Retail World, Gateshead, NE11 0BD or call 0191 406 4398.