13 June 2016
The Optical Confederation (OC) has pledged its support for Diabetes Awareness Week, an annual initiative that aims to increase awareness of diabetes and to raise funds to finance research into the condition.
Established by Diabetes UK, the week began yesterday (12 June) and will run until 18 June. Themed Setting the record straight, it aims to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding diabetes.
Calling on the public to have regular sight tests, chair of the OC, of which the AOP is a founding member, Chris Hunt (pictured), highlighted how a sight test can detect a number of underlying health conditions, including diabetes.
He said: "Optical professionals know that diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of sight loss in people of working age in the UK, yet the general public often do not realise the impact diabetes can have on a person’s vision."
Encouraging practices to get involved, Mr Hunt added: "It is time to set the record straight about the links between eye health and diabetes, and community optical practices should use National Diabetes Week as an opportunity to educate their patients about the risks involved."
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