The Optical Confederation is supporting National Diabetes Week (12 -18 June), an annual UK-wide initiative devoted to increasing awareness of diabetes and raising money to help fund research.
Set up by charity group Diabetes UK, this year’s theme is ‘Setting the record straight’ which aims to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about diabetes.
Chris Hunt, Chair of the Optical Confederation said, “It is fitting that this year’s theme is ‘Setting the record straight. We urge people to get regular eye sight tests as an important part of their health regime. A sight test might detect signs of underlying general health conditions – including diabetes – as well as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 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. 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.”