Leading sight loss charity the Beacon Centre is encouraging people to get their eyes checked during International Glaucoma Week.
Glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain, becomes damaged. It can lead to loss of vision if not detected and treated early on.
It is a common condition, but many people won’t realise they have it because it doesn’t always cause symptoms in the early stage. Men are 16 per cent more likely to suffer serious sight loss from the condition as a result of ignoring the warning signs until it is too late.
RNIB figures estimate that in 2015 there were more than 52,000 people in the West Midlands living with Glaucoma. That figure is estimated to increase to around 58,000 by 2030.
Beacon Centre’s head of enterprise Tracey Ford said: “The only way to ensure your eyes are healthy and your vision is accurate is to get your eyes tested by an opticians.”
During the week, which runs between March 12 and 18, the Beacon Centre is giving out advice and guidance to those with sight loss and also information on how people can look after their eyes.
The Beacon Centre operates the UK’s first accredited social enterprise opticians which means that any profits are ploughed back into helping the charity.
To find out more about the information and advice available contact John Walters on 01902 886 786.