This week 20th-26th September 2021 is National Eye Health Week, encouraging people to look after their sight with regular check ups. At Forth Valley Sensory Centre we offer groups and classes for people with all kinds of sight and hearing loss but we also work hard to spread the message on eye health.
In Scotland, Eye Tests are NHS funded (so there is no cost to you when you book) and it is recommended that everyone has a check up every two years at least.
However, there are many other things you can do to reduce your risk of sight loss. These include stopping smoking, eating healthily and protecting your eyes from harmful environments, which includes wearing sunglasses on bright days.
Of course eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise can help prevent other healthy complications, for example stroke, which can also lead to sight loss.
Genetics also play a significant role so knowing your family eye health history, especially incidences of glaucoma, are also important and might lead your optician to recommend more regular appointments.
If you are unlucky enough to lose your sight then Forth Valley Sensory Centre is here to help. We provide groups and classes, advice and support for blind and partially sighted people (as well as deaf and hard of hearing people!). We are also able to sign post people to additional help from our partners, RNIB Scotland, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk and Stirling Councils, Sight Scotland Veterans, Blind Veterans UK and RNID.
With great timing, Monica Lennon MSP visited the Centre on Monday 20th September to find out more about our work as part of our Energy Redress Project on Climate Change with Sara Burns and get a tour of our new Tech Hub. Monica was also greeted by Ian and Cathy Carmichael, two of our Deaf ambassadors.
You can find our more about our groups and classes on our What’s On page. We are always keen to hear from new people and all our classes are very friendly and welcoming! Contact our Activities Co-ordinator Linsey Stocks for more information or to book in to any of our groups.
You can find more information on Eye Health and your local optician on the NHS Forth Valley website here.
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