Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has pledged his support for National Eye Health Week, which takes place this week (19th – 25th September 2016.) National Eye Health Week brings organisations and health professionals from across Wales and the UK together to raise awareness of the importance of good eye health and the need for regular sight tests.

Mr Davies said, “I’m delighted to once again support National Eye Health Week. It’s so important to raise awareness of good eye health and I strongly advise everyone to have their eyes tested regularly. Over the next 25 years, the number of people with sight loss is expected to double, so please make sure that you’re doing all that you can to protect your sight and the sight of your loved ones.”

Ceri Jackson, Director of RNIB Cymru and chair of the National Eye Health Week steering group in Wales, said: “Every day in Wales nearly 3 people lose their sight but 50% of sight loss is avoidable with early detection and treatment. The most important thing people can do to look after their eyes is to go for regular sight tests.

“Research shows that more than 1 in 10 of us has never had our eyes tested. Sight is the sense that people fear losing most yet many of us don’t know the best way to look after our eyes. We want to change that. A regular sight test can help detect eye conditions before you notice the effect on your sight, including health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

“I’m delighted that Paul has pledged his support and hope that as many people as possible can join us during the week to raise awareness of this important campaign which will help stop people losing their sight unnecessarily.”