The Welsh Government has launched a new campaign aimed at urging everyone over the age of 30 to undergo regular eye tests.

The campaign emphasizes that routine sight tests are crucial in ensuring healthy eyes and can potentially lead to effective treatment for sight-threatening conditions, possibly even saving lives.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan stated that various health conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, and myopia can be detected and treated earlier through eye examinations at local optometry practices.

She further emphasized that optometrists can also identify other problems such as brain tumors, underscoring the importance of regular sight tests. Morgan advised adults over the age of 30 to prioritize scheduling regular eye examinations, highlighting that many in Wales are eligible for free tests and that some employers may cover the cost as well.

Early Detection and Treatment Several sight loss conditions may not exhibit symptoms, but a sight test can often detect these conditions before any changes in vision occur, leading to timely treatment that may even save sight.

NHS sight tests are free for those who qualify, including young and elderly individuals, individuals on benefits, those with a family history of glaucoma, and individuals who use computer screens at work. For the latter, employers are legally required to arrange a free sight test upon request. A new agreement in Wales ensures that more people can now access free eye examinations.

The Eye Health Examination Wales Scheme (EHEW) provides free eye tests for individuals at a higher risk of developing certain eye conditions, such as those from Black or Asian ethnic groups, individuals who are deaf or blind, individuals requiring urgent attention for eye problems, and individuals referred by their GP to an EHEW registered optometrist.

Improving Access to Eye Care To address the increased demand for eye care services, reduce hospital waiting times, and enhance patient outcomes, the Welsh Government is introducing a new optometry contract that enables high street optometrists to effectively monitor and treat a wider range of eye conditions. This change allows more people to receive free eye checks, quicker and closer to home.

David O’Sullivan, Wales’ Chief Optometric Adviser, stressed the importance of regular eye health check-ups as our eyesight can deteriorate and certain conditions may develop from the age of 30 onwards.

O’Sullivan highlighted that local optometrists possess the qualifications to detect eye conditions, emphasizing that regular check-ups can preserve eyesight and, in some cases, even save lives.