National Eye Health Week 2025

ABDO members have received a copy of Vista with their September issue of Dispensing Optics

Strategic messaging for National Eye Health Week 2025 will align with key elements of the government’s 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS in England…

Taking place this year from 22-28 September, National Eye Health Week (NEHW) is organised each year by the charity, Eye Health UK. The annual campaign is designed to raise awareness of the importance of good eye health care, promoting the role of multi-disciplinary teams within community eyecare practices in “keeping Britain healthy”.

During seven days of intense activity, the campaign aims to educate people about “how to look after their eyes and inspire them to take action to protect their vision and prevent avoidable sight loss in the future”.

Each day will focus on a different theme including: primary eyecare services, children’s eye health, sports vision, eyes at work, ageing eyes, and ‘living well to see well’. Importantly, messaging will align with key elements of the government’s 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS in England, including care in the community, access to eyecare and prioritising prevention.

Building community networks

David Cartwright, chair of Eye Health UK, said: “This year, we’re working with local optical committees, public health teams and others to build strong community networks who’ll use their reach and influence to share essential eye health advice, and explain why regular routine sight tests are vital for everyone. In addition to amplifying our messaging, the creation of these networks will help add eyecare to the mix of new neighbourhood health priorities.”

A toolkit has been created to help these networks, plus stakeholders and all NEHW supporters, spread the word on eye health. Hard copy and digital resources include: posters, leaflets, flyers, website and social media content as well as the consumer-facing Vista magazine. New for this year will be an image library that supporters can access, along with children’s educational materials.

To create the image library, the charity was awarded a small grant from the Central Optical Fund to shoot photographs featuring a mix of lifestyle content, styled studio shots and healthcare imagery – illustrating ‘how to look after your eyes’ and ‘why good vision matters’.

Creating a useful new image library for practices to utilise

The story of a visit to an optical practice was shot on location at UWE Bristol Eye Clinic and includes images from the sight testing room as well as the dispensing area. The studio collection includes images depicting how to look after eyewear, such as cleaning spectacles, and contact lens care.

David added: “These images will all be key resources for NEHW 2025 as photography holds significant value in health promotion, enhancing comprehension, recall and attention – especially for individuals with lower health literacy.”

Vista magazine

Included once again with the September issue of Dispensing Optics, ABDO members can place their Vista magazine in the reception area for patients to browse whilst they wait. This year’s cover star is Lisa George, famous for playing Beth Tinker in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street.

In an exclusive interview, Lisa talks about her diagnosis of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and how the condition has impacted her sight. Also in this issue, Nancy Birtwhistle, Sunday Times bestselling author and winner of season five of the Great British Bake Off, shares three dishes from her latest cookbook, all packed with essential nutrients for good eye health. Meanwhile, Zoe Cosby, eyewear style consultant, shares the eyewear trends for autumn/winter 2025 and spring/summer 2026, revealing “a design evolution that combines technology, sustainability and individuality”.

ABDO president, Kevin Gutsell, has also contributed to the magazine – explaining how the right lens choices can improve clarity and comfort for ‘silver surfers’.

How to get involved in NEHW25

1. Save the date: put 22-28 September in your diary and get ready to spread the word on eye health.
2. Register for free resources: email your name, business name and contact details to info@visionmatters.org.uk to register for a free promotional toolkit.
3. Follow and share on social media: join the conversation on your social channels by following Instagram @NationalEyeHealthWeek, Twitter @myvisionmatters and Facebook @NationalEyeHealthWeek
4. Become an official partner: larger organisations interested in an official partnership programme should email rachel@visionmatters.org.uk
5. Donate: the charity has to fundraise every penny spent on the Week and every single penny really does makes a huge contribution to the scale and scope of the campaign. To donate simply email info@visionmatters.org.uk with your name and pledge amount.

For more information and to access resources, go to www.visionmatters.org.uk