Sight loss victims to double to four million in the UK by 2050

There are fears the number of people experiencing sight loss in the UK will double to 4 million by 2050.

London, UK - There are fears the number of people experiencing sight loss in the UK will double to 4 million by 2050.

According to the National Eye Research Centre - 80 per cent of all related conditions are preventable and curable.

The organisation is now calling for more funding into research.

Meanwhile, a Guildford eye hospital say the figures are "quite alarming".

Jay Dermot is an Optomestrist at Optegra in Guildford and says people need to maintain their check-ups: "We did a survey recently, and 80% plus of patients said that site was a precious commodity.

"But still only just over 40% of patients actually came to get regular eye examinations - so there's that disparity there.

"This is why I'm saying, people need to think about their eyes, maintain their check-ups and if there's something that is wrong - go and see someone straight away."

"Diabetes are pre-diabetes - we're becoming far better at spotting this and because of the way we are living and there is an obesity epidemic we hear about, the chances are more people will be diagnosed with diabetes.

"If it gets out of control, it will have a detrimental effect on the eye. So it could well be that sight problems due to diabetes if we're not careful will massively increase."

Jamie Wright, Hospital Director at Obtegra Eye Hospital in Surrey said they are working on more research: "We're very aware. We do partner with charities at Optegra.

"Our chosen charity is Fight for Sight who are very active in eye research and improving development and technologies, procedures and understanding about conditions for the benefit of patients."

"Primarily, people should ensure they have their annual eye examination or eye check, and take regular breaks from their screens during work, and generally living a healthier lifestyle.

"Many eye diseases that can cause sight loss are more common as we get older and our ageing population means there is a demand on eye care services, like all areas of healthcare, and it's increasing like never before."

About Optegra Eye Health Care

Optegra Eye Health Care is a specialist provider of ophthalmic services in the UK, China, Czech Republic, Poland and Germany. Optegra operates 23 eye hospitals and clinics and brings together leading edge research and medical expertise, state-of-the-art surgical equipment and top ophthalmic surgeons renowned for their areas of expertise to offer excellent clinical outcomes in laser vision correction, refractive lens exchange (Clarivu™), cataract removal, AMD, vitreoretinal and oculoplastics procedures all carried out in five-star patient facilities.

Clarivu is the Optegra Eye Health Care brand name for its individually tailored, consultant-led vision correction (or Refractive Lens Exchange – RLE) package. The package includes all diagnostic eye assessments, an advanced technology intraocular lens (IOL) specially selected for the lifestyle and visual goals of the patient, the procedure undertaken in an Optegra eye hospital and post-operative care. In addition, the Clarivu package includes any further top up laser surgery that may be required in order to meet the stated visual goals of the patient.

Optegra Eye Health Care is committed to the development of eye sciences and championing the latest innovations in vision correction through its dedicated Eye Sciences Division. Optegra achieves this by partnering with leading UK universities in the research and development of the next generation of ophthalmic services and technologies.

In addition, its Professional Partnership Programme of education and development with optometrists and opticians ensures the very best medical treatments are available to all.

To maintain Optegra’s five star standard of patient care and safety, its specialist eye hospitals draw on the expertise of its Medical Advisory Committees (MAC), headed by consultant level ophthalmic surgeons who all report into the corporate MAC. This is managed by Medical Director, Mr Robert Morris, the renowned refractive expert who advises on Optegra’s policies and procedures.

Optegra Eye Health Care operates seven dedicated eye hospitals based in Birmingham, Central London, Hampshire, Manchester, North London, Surrey and Yorkshire. For more information please visit www.optegra.com

For more information, please contact Tukshad Engineer – Head of Digital at Optegra - 0755 499 4155 | tukshad.engineer@optegra.com

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