Member Article

Eye health in focus as Vision Express Vision Van hits Birmingham

Results from the Vision Van stop in Birmingham reveal: • 69% were overdue an eye test • 69% required a new prescription • 38% had not had an eye examination since passing their driving test • 8% had never had their eyes tested

Birmingham residents are being warned of the dangers of not maintaining regular eye tests after visiting the Vision Express Vision Van when it stopped off in the town centre on Tuesday 27 March.

The high-tech mobile testing vehicle set up shop in the city centre, on Edgbaston Street, for one day only as part of a UK tour to mark Love Your Lenses Week (24-30 March), offering the public free eye tests and a five-day trial for contact lenses.

It was revealed that 69% of those who visited the van in Birmingham were overdue an eye test, 38% had not had an eye examination since passing their driving test, and 69% were walking around with the wrong prescription. Almost one in ten even admitted to never having had their eyes tested.

The aim of the Vision Van tour is to educate wearers on the best way to care for their lenses and the many benefits of wearing contacts, as well as the importance of getting your eyes tested regularly.

Visitor to the van, Matthew McCoy, 48, says that because of his complex prescription, he needs to be tested every six months so when he saw the van he decided to pop in. “I wear contact lenses but have to have one prescription for one eye and a different one for the other,” he explains. “I’ve been struggling with my reading recently, but the optometrist has adjusted both prescriptions today and it’s really made a big difference. Apparently, my right eye is the weakest and that’s why I’ve been struggling. She suggested trying monovision which means wearing a contact lens on one eye to correct my distance vision and a lens on the other eye to correct my near vision. I’ve never heard of it before, but it’s really made a big difference.”

He adds: “If anyone is considering an eye test, just go and do it. There’s really nothing to be scared of. Today the staff were really friendly and supportive and I’ve received some helpful advice. The optometrist said I had some slight damage to my retina and gave me some leaflets on what to look out for in the future. I’ve been having regular eye tests for years and no one has ever mentioned that before, so I’m really glad I came onto the van.”

Anna Linnell admitted she hadn’t had an eye test for 20 years. “I was just walking by and thought it was a great opportunity to get my eyes checked out,” says the 40-year-old. “It was a really professional and thorough examination and I’m pleased to say my eyes are fine so that is a load off my mind. I do think it’s really important for people to have regular tests - for underlying health reasons, not just for sight - and I’d urge anyone not to neglect their eyes like I have. I’ll certainly be having regular checks in future. It’s so quick and easy.”

New research has revealed that nearly one in ten of Britain’s nearly four million contact lens wearers are failing to take their vision seriously by admitting they don’t have a care routine at all, with 65% admitting to routinely forgetting to remove their lenses and 50% confessing they’ve let their lens care lapse after a night out.

Optometrist and director of professional services at Vision Express, Jay Ghadiali said: “It was fantastic to have the Vision Van in Birmingham today during Love Your Lenses Week, to help raise awareness of the importance of regular eye tests amongst our residents.

“The benefits of wearing contact lenses are huge and the risks very small, but the need to educate British contact lens wearers on aftercare is critical as this is what can lead to infection or long-term issues for wearers.

“We’re very proud to support Love Your Lenses Week. The eye health of our customers and their families is our absolute priority.”

CooperVision Brand Manager for the UK & Ireland, Liz Uzzell said: “The Vision Van creates a big impact with the public and the level of instrumentation onboard is impressive. Taking the consulting room into the street is really helping to drive awareness of Love your Lenses week across the UK. The levels of enthusiasm, engagement and interaction about contact lenses and the importance of regular eye health checks have been very high.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Vision Express .