23 September 2026
Glaucoma UK has launched a new awareness campaign highlighting that from the age of 60, people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to free NHS-funded sight tests.
Launched during National Eye Health Week (21–27 September), the campaign encourages those turning 60 this year to make the most of their NHS entitlement by booking regular eye tests.
Through the campaign, Glaucoma UK aims to bring an “eye health twist” to the traditional birthday card and is sharing digital cards on social media, inviting followers to leave their birthday wishes in the comments.
Joanne Creighton, chief executive of Glaucoma UK, said: “A 60th birthday is a wonderful milestone, and for people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it also brings entitlement to free NHS-funded sight tests.”
“We hope our birthday cards give people another reason to celebrate while sharing a reminder that could help protect their sight,” she added.
Digital advertising will invite those born in 1966 to celebrate their shared milestone while learning more about the importance of regular eye tests.
Kicking off the campaign, Glaucoma UK has expressed well-wishes to Welsh actress and comedian, Ruth Jones, who’s 60th birthday falls this week. Other familiar faces turning 60 this year include actor and host Alan Davies, actress Helena Bonham Carter, ballroom dancer and author Anton Du Beke, and comedian John Bishop.
Creighton said: “Whether you send a card, leave a birthday message or share the campaign with someone turning 60, you could help ensure more people know what they are entitled to and why regular eye tests matter.”
Supporters can send a Glaucoma UK e-card through DontSendMeACard. They can add the free eye test message and support the charity with a donation from £1.
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Nicholas Rumney3 weeks ago
The GOS ST is a vision check with a limited remit for identifying and investigating ocular disease. It does pick up some advanced glaucoma cases but on its own has a high False Positive rate because of the low prevalence of glaucoma. A statistical aspect of epidemiology and nothing to do with optometric competence. Unless the investigations are at targeted populations, include repeat testing and consistent instrumentation which remain unfunded under GOS this is unlikely to change. Some areas address this with so called Enhanced Services but in reality it would be so so easy to make it core so that anyone with heightened suspicion at first GOS ST would be brought back for appropriate investigation. Better still expand the scope of the GOS ST like in Scotland.
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