Sight test “as important” as dentist visits

Having an eye test every two years is as important as regularly attending the dentist, two optical organisations in Ireland have highlighted.

The message forms part of a Healthy Eyes campaign that has been launched in Ireland by the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) and FODO Ireland.

It calls on adults and children to have a sight test at least every two years to protect their vision as part of their normal health routine.

In 2010 it was estimated that 224,832 people in Ireland had an undetected visual problem. This is expected to rise by 21% to 271,996 by 2020.

As part of the initiative, which runs from 15-21 January, members of the public are encouraged to post a selfie holding the campaign’s pledge card using the hashtag #EyePledge.

CEO of AOI, Sean McCrave, said: “Having an eye test at least once every two years is just as essential as a regular trip to the dentist to check that you or your children are in good health. An eye exam is not just to determine if you need glasses or contact lenses, it is a vital health check that can lead to the prevention of serious eye conditions.”

He added: “There is an increasing prevalence of sight-related problems due to an ageing population, and what is most important is early diagnosis. An optometrist is ideally-placed to provide the care which people need, be it reassurance, fitting glasses or contact lenses, treatment of routine conditions, or monitoring of an existing condition.”

Further information can be found on the campaign’s website and via its Twitter page.