Looking after our eyesight is one of the most important things we can do to protect our general health and wellbeing.

Today, 8 October 2009, is World Sight Day, when we are reminded of how equal access to eye care around the world could substantially reduce blindness in poor countries. Fortunately for people living in Suffolk, it’s a different story – because any person under the age of 18 or over the age of 65 is entitled to a free eye test.

Also, Suffolk has a friendly character who is helping to spread that message to children. He’s called Jolly Giraffe, and you may see him in optician’s windows on your local High Street.

Chris Wilbraham is an optician who runs two practices in Suffolk and is chairman of the local optometry committee. He and his colleagues worked with NHS Suffolk’s primary care team to come up with the cheery character for this child-friendly campaign.

Chris said: “It’s really important that children get their eyes tested regularly – because an early diagnosis – of a squint or certain types of long sight or astigmatism can lead to better vision in both eyes in years to come. We hope that Jolly Giraffe and his friends will encourage children to come in and get a test – and if they do can receive a booklet and stickers, too!”

Why not “see” for yourself?

To find your nearest optician, simply visit the NHS Suffolk service locator at www.suffolk.nhs.uk/servicelocator or call PALS on 0800 389 6819.

Did you know?

• More and more people than ever are facing the threat of blindness from age related disease.
• Currently approximately 314 million people worldwide live with low vision and blindness, yet 80% of blindness is avoidable – either treatable, curable or preventable. 

• World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. To find out more visit www.v2020.org

You are entitled to a free sight test, paid for by the NHS, if:

• you are under 16 years of age,
• you are 16, 17, or 18, and in full-time education,
• you are 60 or over,
• you have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma,
• you are 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma,
• an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) has advised you that you’re at risk of glaucoma,
• you are registered as blind or partially sighted,
• you are prescribed complex lenses – these are lenses with a power of 10 dioptres or more, or prism controlled bifocal lenses,
• your sight tests are usually done through a hospital eye department, as part of your care for an existing eye condition, or
• you are a war pensioner and you need the sight test because of a disability for which you get a war pension.

Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk