Dame Rosie Winterton highlights growing demand for eyecare

Dame Rosie Winterton visited Bell Brothers Opticians in Doncaster as part of ongoing campaigning work by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) to highlight the importance of eye health care and utilising the highly skilled teams that are working in optical practices.

Dame Rosie said, “It was good to visit Bell Brothers Opticians and hear about eye health care and the services which are available in local practices.  I understand that research shows that there has been a 37% increase in eye clinic attendances in the UK over the past 10 years, and that demand is growing year on year.

“Early detection is key and there are free National Health Service sight tests available to those at increased risk of eye disease or likely to be deterred from seeking private tests on grounds of cost. I would strongly encourage everyone to ensure they get their eyes tested and see a qualified optician.”

ABDO member Antony Rigby from Bell Brothers Opticians said: “We have been proudly providing eye care in Doncaster since 1931. We are happy to welcome Dame Rosie Winterton MP to our practice to promote issues relating to eye health and the impact of supplying accurately fitted spectacles and contact lenses. We have seen many changes over the years, but more recently, an increasing number of ill-fitting spectacles and visual problems from eyewear bought online.”

Debbie McGill of ABDO added, “We welcome the opportunity to have Dame Rosie visit one of our member’s practices within her constituency.  This enabled us to show Dame Rosie the various eye health care delivered in optical practices, which can help alleviate the pressures in hospital Ophthalmology departments.  We also discussed the importance of spectacles being fitted properly by a Dispensing Optician and the need for patients to attend regularly for after care when wearing contact lenses.”