Eye care is a 'public health priority' in Wales

High quality eye care is being offered across Wales, particularly in high deprivation areas, a new report has highlighted.

Published by Public Health Wales last Wednesday (24 September), the Distribution and workload of community ophthalmic practices within deprivation levels in Wales report found that, of the 318 ophthalmic practices across Wales, over half are located in the country's areas of highest deprivation. The authors conclude this demonstrates that people living within these areas have access to high quality eye care.

Peter Garwood, optometric lead for public health in Wales, said: "50% of sight loss is avoidable with early detection and treatment. We are pleased that this evaluation report shows that, not only is eye health a top priority in Wales, but also that high quality eye care is being offered in the right places to the right people. This is particularly important as evidence shows that there is a link between deprivation and sight loss."