Taking the sting out of eye drops

SeeAbility’s new factsheet is aiming to help people with learning disabilities administer eye drops correctly.

The national charity has produced the new resource in conjunction with the International Glaucoma Association and is based on their original information booklet. It is being released to mark National Glaucoma Awareness Week that runs June 6-12.

The fact sheet contains clear photographs and descriptions of how to use the eye drop bottles, how to place a drop in the eye, what devises are available to help, and where to go for further advice.

Pharmacists are hoping the factsheet will mean a more effective use of eye drops, as many people administer them incorrectly.

“It is essential for carers and supporters of people with learning disabilities to be aware of the correct method of administering eye drops,” said Stephen Kill, SeeAbility’s national manager for eye care and vision.

It is hoped that the factsheet will also be useful for people from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, particularly where English is not their first language.

To download the factsheet or find out more about SeeAbility go to https://www.seeability.org/eyedrops.