NEHW themes announced

It’s time to prep your practice for next month’s National Eye Health Week (NEHW), which runs from 18-24 September.

Eye Health UK, the charity behind the campaign, has announced the seven daily themes for 2023 as:

• NHS eyecare and support: highlighting eligibility for NHS sight tests and optical vouchers plus a look at the range of services provided by High Street opticians, including CUES and MECs; as well as the importance of routine eye examinations.
• Myopia and me: a tween to teen campaign highlighting increasing levels of myopia, why early diagnosis is important and advances in myopia management and control.
• Digital eyecare: top tips to prevent screen fatigue whilst at work, rest and play.
• Eye on mental health: exploring the links between eye health and mental wellbeing.
• Live well, see well: how lifestyle factors can influence eye health. This will be supported by the publication of Vista, a 52-page consumer magazine packed with essential lifestyle advice to help you take the best care of your vision and eye health.
• Vision Matters photographic competition and exhibition: building on growing evidence of the effectiveness of the arts in influencing the adoption of health enhancing behaviours.
• Smoking and sight loss.

David Cartwright, chair of Eye Health UK, said: “These themes, targeting audiences with diverse eyecare needs, will help set a prevention agenda that is essential in order to curtail avoidable sight loss and improve the nation’s eye health.

“I would encourage optical practices to get involved and to make use of the materials available. This will enhance the profile of a practice and help to educate the public on the importance of looking after their eye health and regular sight tests,” David added.

To sign up for the latest NEHW news and to receive promotional resources, email info@visionmatters.org.uk with your contact details.

NEHW is a charity initiative that requires third party funding to make it possible. Any organisation wishing to give their social impact a boost and support this important public health promotion should contact rachel@visionmatters,org.uk