Healthy Vision Month: Supporting the work you do to put an end to preventable vision loss
As we observe Healthy Vision Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the critical role that regular eye examinations play in maintaining ocular health and preventing vision loss. In the UK, the demand for eye care services continues to grow, highlighting the need for proactive patient education.
Eye health in the UK: Key statistics
- In England, approximately 13 million NHS-funded sight tests are conducted each year, contributing to a total of over 19 million sight tests annually across the UK.
- Around 1 in 3 people in the UK are affected by myopia (short-sightedness), with rates increasing significantly over recent decades. Myopia Focus
- Over 11,000 people are diagnosed with glaucoma each year in the UK, a condition that accounts for approximately 20% of hospital eye service outpatient workload. ophthalmologyglaucoma.org
- Every day, 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight, equating to one person every six minutes. RNIB
The role of regular eye examinations
These statistics highlight the vital importance of routine eye examinations in early detection and management of eye conditions. Regular check-ups enable timely intervention, which is crucial in conditions like glaucoma and myopia, where early stages may be asymptomatic.
As eye care professionals, your role in educating patients about the significance of regular eye exams cannot be overstated.
Supporting patient education
To assist in your patient education efforts, consider sharing the following key messages:
Early detection
Continue to emphasise that many eye conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, can progress without noticeable symptoms. Regular exams are essential for early detection.
Lifestyle factors
Continue to discuss how factors such as screen time, UV exposure, and nutrition can impact eye health, and provide guidance on mitigating risks.
Children's eye health
Continue to highlight the importance of early eye examinations for children, especially given the rising prevalence of myopia linked to increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities. Read more about preventing vision loss with children’s eye exams.
Driving and vision
Continue to inform patients about the legal requirements for vision standards in driving, noting that many individuals may be unaware of their visual impairments.
We know these are conversations you’re already having. We simply hope Healthy Vision Month provides another platform to elevate them, whether through in-practice messaging, community outreach, or digital communications.
Our commitment to eye care professionals
At Keeler, we don’t just design and manufacture ophthalmic devices, we listen to the clinicians who use them. Whether it’s the feel of a handheld ophthalmoscope during a busy clinic session, or the clarity of optics in a slit lamp exam, we know that your tools need to perform reliably, day in and day out.
We also offer a growing patient education section on our blog, featuring accessible content on topics such as the link between dry eye and menopause, what to expect during children’s eye exams, and managing long-term conditions like diabetic retinopathy. These materials are written with clarity and accuracy and may be helpful as supplementary tools in your own patient communications, whether in print, in practice, or online.
In addition, our education hub provides further clinical insights, product information, and updates on best practices, supporting continuous learning and professional development in the field of optometry and ophthalmology. If you haven’t already discovered our Education hub, we would love for you to register today for free to gain access to a host of educational resources.
This Healthy Vision Month, we’re proud to stand alongside you, providing the tools, information, and support you need to continue delivering exceptional eye care.