Specsavers launches awareness campaign in Wales

Specsavers has launched a campaign in Wales that aims to encourage the public to visit their local optical practice if they experience sudden eye problems.

The campaign has been established following YouGov data that reported over two thirds (68%) of adults in Wales would not visit an optometry practice as a first port of call if they woke up with an eye problem.

The survey was commissioned by Specsavers and polled 1000 adults in Wales. It also revealed that 50% of respondents would contact another NHS service, such as a GP, pharmacy, eye hospital, NHS 111 or A&E first if they woke up with an eye-related issue.

Through the campaign, Specsavers is calling on the public in Wales to phone their local optical practice rather than their GP or other NHS services if they experience an eye-related problem.

The multiple explains that the sudden onset of symptoms to do with a person’s vision can include blurred or cloudy vision, loss of vision, floaters, flashing lights, red eyes or sensitivity to light, as well as eye irritation, inflammation, swollen or puffy eye lids or ingrowing eyelashes.

The YouGov poll also found that more than a third (35%) of respondents did not know they could use an optician for these issues, while a quarter (25%) were concerned they would have to pay for treatment.

Specsavers highlighted people in Wales face delays in accessing NHS services – currently almost 80,000 patients are waiting over a year for a first outpatient appointment.

Lead clinical performance consultant for Specsavers in Wales, Michael Bradbury, explained: “The survey results highlight that there isn’t enough awareness of exactly when you should visit your opticians and the expert support on hand that goes beyond your routine sight check.”

“By offering immediate eye health services, we can help reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales,” he added.

As part of the campaign, Specsavers has partnered with male voice choir Côr Meibion Bro Glyndŵr, which has performed a specially written song that encourages people to “take action at the first sign of eye trouble.”

The song was released on social media on 6 November and is supported by an advertising campaign.

Ann Atkinson Sharp, musical director of Côr Meibion Bro Glyndŵr, said: “Many of our choir members rely heavily on their sight, both in music and in life, so ensuring good eye health is crucial for all of us.

“We hope this collaboration will encourage people to prioritise their eye health and seek help early – before small issues turn into bigger problems. With Specsavers’ services, they can do so quickly, without putting more pressure on the NHS.”

Bradbury concluded: “Our goal is to make sure even more people are aware that they can turn to us first for eye health concerns, helping them get the care they need quickly, while easing pressure on other healthcare services.”