This week marks World Glaucoma Week across the UK, a global initiative to raise awareness about the eye disease, glaucoma.
This year’s theme, uniting for a glaucoma-free world, focuses on bringing communities together worldwide to fight against glaucoma blindness.
In a statement, Joanne Creighton, Chief Executive of Glaucoma UK, said, “Glaucoma can be symptomless, a simple conversation can prompt someone to book an eye test and protect their sight.
“And these conversations don’t have to stop here – awareness is vital all year round, and can help people save their sight.”
Regular tests allow for glaucoma to be spotted early on, before symptoms appear, preventing long-term or permanent damage.
In South Yorkshire, The Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB) and Rotherham Sight & Sound (RSS) are using their social media platforms to spread awareness and connect people with resources.
Jane Peach, Marketing Manager at SRSB, on the importance of regular eye tests, said: “Having a sight test won’t only tell you if you need new glasses or a change of prescription, it’s also a vital health check.”
She added: “It can pick up many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions before you are aware of any symptoms – many of which can be treated if found early enough.”
Across Sheffield, optometrists have encouraged all to use the hashtag #glaucomaweek to share their own stories.
Internationally, celebrities, such as South Korean stars Yoona and Song Joong-Ki, have recorded videos to raise awareness, calling on fans to visit their optometrists and keep up with routine glaucoma check-ups.
Ahead of the campaign, Co-Founder of World Glaucoma Week, commented: “Public awareness programs need to be on message and patiently repeated over and over again.
“It’s like water dripping onto a rock; it takes many drops to see an indent.”
For resources and to learn more, visit Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind online here.