Jackson Carlaw MSP is encouraging residents in Eastwood to protect the health of their eyes by booking a check-up at an opticians.
Mr Carlaw is promoting National Eye Health Week (NEHW) – an event taking place from 18th – 24th September.
A key aim of the campaign is to highlight the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye examinations.
The Eastwood MSP spoke with representatives of the campaign at the Scottish Parliament and had his own eyes examined in the Holyrood building.
Across the UK, a total of 2 million people have sight loss that is severe enough to significantly impact upon their day-to-day lives.
However, half of this sight loss is preventable as eye tests are able to identify the early warning signs for conditions such as glaucoma. The conditions can be treated if they are found at an early enough stage.
Sight tests can also pick up on other health conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure.
As a general rule for healthy eyes, people should eat nutritious foods, avoid smoking and wear appropriate eye protection in bright weather conditions.
Optometry Scotland were present at the Scottish Parliament to speak with MSP’s about National Eye Health Week.
Optometry Scotland represents the optometry sector. The organisation is the voice of optometry professionals in Scotland.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“National Eye Health Week is an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of safeguarding eye health.
“Maintaining good eye health is very important and by making regular trips to the optometrist, people can protect their vision.
“Not only are individuals able to maintain good eye health by visiting an opticians but sight tests can also help with identifying other medical conditions to help put people on the right track to receiving the appropriate treatment.
“It was great to chat with Optometry Scotland in Edinburgh and to have my own eyes checked at Holyrood!
“Fortunately, they were found to be healthy and I encourage constituents in Eastwood to book regular eye examinations.”