News

A new National Eye Health Week initiative from Eye Health UK and The College of Optometrists will see copies of the Topsy and Tim Have Their Eyes Tested book [1] sent to school-based nurseries across England, in a drive to boost awareness about the importance of routine eye tests for children.

Commenting on the need to increase health literacy around children’s sight tests, David Cartwright, chair of the charity Eye Health UK says: 

“With one in five children in the UK thought to be living with an undiagnosed vision problem that could hamper their learning and development, it's important that we educate youngsters, their parents and carers about how to look after young eyes to ensure any issues are detected and treated early.” 

David continues: “This book is a great way for early-years providers to teach children about their eyes as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for promoting physical health and healthy habits. It’s also a lovely book for parents and children to enjoy reading together too.” 

The nurseries receiving copies of the book, along with important information about NHS eye care services for children, are state-funded early-years providers situated in some of the most deprived areas of England. It’s hoped engaging children via these settings will support potentially disadvantaged youngsters and help close the eye health inequality gap that leaves those from low-income households at greater risk of poor eye health.[2]

Throughout the book everybody’s favourite twins, Topsy and Tim, enjoy learning about why vision matters, what happens during a visit to the opticians and how wearing glasses can be cool!

Denise Voon, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, comments: “Learning about looking after your eyes from a young age is incredibly important. We recommend parents and carers take children for a regular eye test every two years from the age of three or four years old, or as their optometrist advises. The Topsy and Tim story helps reassure children that going for an eye test is nothing to worry about, and can be a fun experience."

Books will be sent out during National Eye Health Week (22-28 September) ready to help educate thousands of pre-schoolers, including the 4,000 new starters at the new or expanded nurseries announced by the Government earlier this month.[3]

[1] Topsy and Tim Have Their Eyes tested by Jean and Gareth Adamson, Ladybird Imprint for Penguin Random House ‎ISBN 10 0241282543
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9174922/
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-delivers-thousands-more-school-based-nursery-places

More than 1.6 million new cases of sight-threatening eye disease are forecast over the next decade [1] – the equivalent of one new case every three minutes!

The analysis carried out by Eye Health UK [2] for National Eye Health Week (22-28 September) uses data modelled by York Health Economics Consortium [3] to predict future cases of the four most common causes of sight loss – cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

Future forecasting predicts a 24 per cent rise in the number of people suffering late age-related macular degeneration – the UK’s leading cause of blindness and a 13 per cent surge in cases of glaucoma.

David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK warns: “Urgent steps to tackle poor eye health, including greater uptake of sight tests and prevention strategies, are needed to avoid people suffering unnecessary and irrecoverable vision impairment. The good news though is half of all sight loss could be prevented with lifestyle changes, early detection, and timely treatment.”

Worryingly, four in ten Brits fail to have their eyes tested every two years, as recommended [4]; with many people, particularly those living in socio-economic deprivation, rationing eye test attendance due to concerns about the cost of glasses, or delaying check-ups until symptoms cause concern[5].

This behaviour prevents early detection of eye disease and timely referral for sight-saving treatment.

Despite more than 30 million people being entitled to free NHS sight tests [6], and NHS optical vouchers being available to help with the cost of eyewear for those on low incomes, children and for people with complex prescriptions; a lack of awareness of these benefits perpetuates barriers to people attending routine eye checks and increases the risk of avoidable sight loss.

More than half (55%) of people on low incomes say they’re unaware of their entitlement to free NHS sight tests and fewer still (just four in 10) know about NHS help towards the cost of prescription eyewear [7].

Responding to the research, David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK comments: “Educating people about their entitlement to help with eye care costs is vital to improve uptake of routine sight tests and mitigate the rising prevalence of sight-threatening eye disease, that’s being driven by an ageing and unhealthy population.”

Conditions like macular degeneration can be detected early during routine eye tests, saving sight and reducing the economic burden of vision impairment – the lifetime cost of a new case of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in an adult aged 50 or over, causing at least moderate visual impairment, is £73,350 [8].

Referral for medical treatment and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can halt or slow the progression of AMD.

Important lifestyle changes for AMD patients and those at risk of the disease include eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, leafy green vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids; exercising regularly; quitting smoking; maintaining a healthy weight and protecting their eyes from the sun’s damaging UV.

To help people assess their chances of suffering future eye disease and understand how they can reduce the risks, we've created an eye health calculator which can be found here

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[1] Cases of cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic maculopathy, age-related macular degeneration (late /neovascular) forecast to increase by 1,611,628 by 20235.

[2]  Eye Health UK is a registered charity (no 1086146) responsible for running National Eye Health Week. visionmatters.org.uk.

[3] York Health Economics Consortium created the eye health data hub on behalf of optical associations including The College of Optometrists, Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), British & Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS), Department of Health Northern Ireland, Federation of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. https://yhec.co.uk/about-us/

[4] Fieldwork conducted by OnePoll between 6-10 September on behalf of Eye Health UK. Nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults.

[5] Journal of Public Health, 36(4), 667–673

[6]  Including those on low incomes, over 60’s, under 16s, people with certain eye conditions eg: glaucoma (and their close relatives) as well as everyone living in Scotland.       

[7] EHUK (n,1) 

[8] Fight for Sight, Time to Focus Report, 2020

Published : 22 September 22 September 2025

We’re inviting everyone to join the conversation on eye health during National Eye Health Week (22-28 September). There’s a different theme each day of the Week…

•     Monday – Primary eye care services
•     Tuesday – Children’s eye health
•     Wednesday – Eyes at work
•     Thursday – Live well to see well
•     Fr-eye-day – Self-care
•     Saturday – Sports vision
•     Sunday – Ageing eyes

Don’t forget to check our website daily for all the resources you need to help spread the word!

Eye Health UK is delighted to announce the return of National Eye Health Week (#VisionMatters), which takes place from 22-28 September 2025. This important public health campaign is designed to raise awareness of the importance of good eye care, and plays an important part in promoting the role of community optometry in keeping Britain healthy.

During seven days of intense activity, the campaign will educate people about how to look after their eyes and inspire them to take action to protect their vision and prevent avoidable sight loss in the future.

Each day will focus on a different theme including: primary eye care services, children’s eye health, sports vision, eyes at work, ageing eyes and live well to see well.

Messaging will align with key elements of the NHS 10-year plan, including care in the community, access to eye care and prioritising prevention.

David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK, the charity responsible for running the Week, comments: “This year we’re working with LOCs, public health teams and others to build strong community networks who’ll use their reach and influence to share essential eye health advice and explain why regular routine sight tests are vital for everyone. In addition to amplifying our messaging, the creation of these networks will help add eye care to the mix of new neighbourhood health priorities.”

To help these networks, our stakeholders and all NEHW supporters spread the word on eye health we’ll be sharing a toolkit with hard copy and digital resources. Resources include: posters, leaflets, flyers, website and social media content as well as the much-loved Vista magazine. Resource packs will land early September.

In the meantime, here are five simple ways individuals and organisations can start preparing for this important awareness-raising week…

1. SAVE THE DATE! Put 22-28 September in your diary and get ready to spread the word on eye health.

2. REGISTER FOR FREE RESOURCES. Email your name, business name and contact details to info@visionmatters.org.uk to register for a free promotional toolkit.

3. FOLLOW & SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Join the conversation on your social channels by following Instagram @NationalEyeHealthWeek Twitter @myvisionmatters & Facebook @NationalEyeHealthWeek

4. BECOME AN OFFICIAL PARTNER - Larger organisations interested in our official partnership programme should contact rachel@visionmatters.org.uk

5. DONATE – The charity has to fundraise every penny spent on the Week and every single penny really does makes a huge contribution to the scale and scope of the campaign. To donate simply email info@visionmatters.org.uk with your name and pledge amount.

Published : August 2025

Parents of the 735,000 three and four-year-olds being offered a school place today (primary school offer day, 16 April ’25), are urged to get their children’s sight tested before term starts in September to prevent them being disadvantaged in the classroom.
 
Good sight is essential to give all children the best possible start at school – youngsters with poor vision learn around only half as much as classmates who have good or corrected vision.[i]

However, a new report from the charity Eye Health UK reveals that 70% of parents don’t take their children for a sight test before starting school (if EVER), leaving more than 100,000 pupils in the 2025 school starter cohort at risk of falling behind due to an undiagnosed vision problem.[ii]
 
David Cartwright, optometrist and chair of Eye Health UK explains: “One in five children in the UK has an undiagnosed vision problem that will hinder their learning and development. It’s often difficult for parents, carers or teachers to recognise when a child might be struggling with their eyesight*; however, sight tests are free (on the NHS) for all children at high street optical practices. Children requiring vision correction are also entitled to an NHS voucher that can be used to pay for glasses.”
 
David continues: “Starting school for the first time can feel stressful for parents and children but ensuring a child’s eyesight is up to scratch can help them settle-in quickly and aid their learning.” 
 
Twenty-one per cent of parents said they relied on school to check their child’s eyesight,[iii] however school vision screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive sight test at a high street optician.[iv] Many Local Authorities also fail to offer screening services. Research by BIOS (British and Irish Orthoptic Society) highlights how school vision screening is a postcode lottery as just 57% of authorities in England offer a service as directed by the National Screening Committee.[v]
 
Living with an undiagnosed eye condition can have profound consequences for any child. As well as affecting learning it can impact mental health, lead to low self-esteem, trigger headaches; cause difficulties building relationships and making friends, precipitate clumsiness and be mistaken for bad behaviour. Some symptoms also overlap with signs of dyslexia and ADHD.
 
The Our Children’s Eye Health report found a worrying number of parents are clueless when it comes to caring for their children’s vision and eye health. 
 
Two-thirds (64%) of parents surveyed for the report have no idea how often a child should have their eyes tested; whilst 6 in 10 (59%) parents aren’t aware that children’s sight tests are free at high street opticians. Seventy-five per cent have no idea that the NHS provides eyewear vouchers for children. A quarter (24%) of parents believe that their child does not need a sight test because the child’s eyes are “fine”.[vi]
 
All children should have their eyes tested at age three to four years and then every one to two years thereafter or as recommended by their optometrist. This advice applies even if you think your child’s eyes are “fine”.
 
Many parents are also unaware of signs of common childhood eye conditions including shortsightedness (myopia), lazy eye (amblyopia) and squint (strabismus). Fewer than half (49%) thought regular headaches could be linked to poor vision; just a third (33%) linked a turning or tilting head to possible difficulties with how well a child can see, whilst 29% recognised a dislike of bright lights and 13% linked orienting drawings poorly on paper with possible vison problems.
 
Parents are also failing to make the link between healthy habits and children’s sight. A staggering 86% of parents surveyed were unaware that time outdoors was important for eye health – despite spending two-hours-a-day outdoors being a factor in preventing myopia (short-sightedness).[vii]
 
Environmental factors during early childhood, particularly those that limit visual input or cause misalignment, play a significant role in the development of other childhood eye conditions too, including amblyopia (lazy eye).
 
David Cartwright explains: “Limiting screen time and balancing activities that require eyes to focus on close objects, such as reading, with time outdoors as well as engaging in activities to stimulate vision, are crucial, especially during a child’s early years when their eyes continue to develop.”
 
Protecting young eyes from the sun’s UV and serving up generous helpings of fruit, veg and oily fish are also important ways parents can help keep their children’s eyes healthy but just 32% of parents surveyed were aware of the importance of protecting against UV and only 34% made a connection between diet and eye health.[viii]
 
The Our Children’s Eye Health report also found that for 9 in 10 parents their local opticians would not the first place they would seek help if their child experienced problems with their eye health despite many practices offering NHS appointments for urgent and minor eye conditions.
 
Routine sight tests from age three or four are crucial to give kids the happiest, healthiest start in life. Click the report cover below to find out more...

[i] Better education in sight. An estimate of global learning and economic productivity losses from uncorrected refractive error in schools. (2024)
[ii] Our Children’s Eye Health report, Eye Health UK, 2025. [Calculation based on estimated 735,000 new school starter cohort Sept 2025. 70% = 514,500 not having sight before starting school. 1/5 of these estimated to suffer an undiagnosed vision problem (various studies inc: Valli, 2019) = 102,900.]. 1 in 8 parents never take children for a sight test.
[iii] ibid
[iv] A sight test can detect a wider range of problems, including those affecting eye tracking, focus, binocular vision, colour vision as well as general eye health.
[v] https://www.orthoptics.org.uk/bios-survey-shows-75000-children-a-year-miss-out-on-in-school-vision-screening/
[vi] Eye Health UK (n 2)
[vii] https://eyesoneyecare.com/resources/study-shows-a-decline-in-myopia-with-2-hours-of-outdoor-time/
[viii] Eye Health UK (n 2)

Published : April 2025

Eye safety advice for viewing the partial eclipse on Saturday 29 March 2025.

Between 10am and 12 noon the moon will pass across the face of the sun, creating a partial eclipse. The phenomenon will be visible across the UK. The best place to witness it will be northwest Scotland where around half of the sun will be obscured when the eclipse reaches its peak shortly after 11am.

If you're planning to view this amazing spectacle, make sure you protect your eyes.

Looking directly at the sun can result in serious eye damage or even blindness. The absence of pain or discomfort while looking at an eclipse does not mean damage to the eyes will not occur. Permanent damage to the retina can be caused without pain, and the visual symptoms can be delayed for several hours. 

To view the eclipse safely means watching it on a TV or live stream, wearing special eye protection (not sunglasses), or looking at it indirectly.

Viewing the partial eclipse

The safest way to view the event is on the television or via live stream on the internet. Observing the eclipse directly through a telescope, binoculars or camera is not safe under any circumstances (including whilst wearing solar glasses). Sunglasses and photographic film are also inadequate and should NEVER be used to view the eclipse.

Only specially designed solar filters that are identified as suitable for direct viewing of the sun – they should conform with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard – can be used to view the eclipse directly. Alternatively, a welder’s glass rated at No.14 or higher would be suitable.

Always check that any solar viewing glasses are intact and do not have marks or tears.

Ensure any certified solar viewing glasses are securely fitted on your face before turning to view the eclipse.

Protecting your child’s eyes

It is dangerous to look at the sun at any time, and children may be tempted to sneak a peek during the eclipse. Children should be supervised carefully if they view the partial eclipse and they should be made aware of the dangers.

It is worth knowing that adult-sized special filter spectacles do not fit a child’s face and direct rays from the sun could easily damage the child’s eyes.

How to make a pinhole camera

An alternative and safe way to view the sun's disc is by indirect projection using a 'pinhole camera'. A perfectly adequate version can be made out of two thin, but stiff, pieces of white cardboard.

Punch a small, clean pinhole in one piece of cardboard. Do not make the pinhole too big or you will only have a shaft of sunlight rather than an image of the crescent sun. Stand with your back to the sun, holding up the piece of cardboard with the hole in it. Hold the other piece of cardboard as a 'screen' in your other hand and move it until an inverted image of the sun appears on it. To make the image sharper, move the screen closer to the pinhole.

Remember, do not look directly at the sun through the pinhole.

Published : 28 March 2025

There are lots of simple things that you can do to help keep kids’ eyes healthy.

Essential eye checks

Having regular sight tests, every two years, unless you’re advised otherwise by your optometrist, is a great place to start.

Sight tests will ensure any problems such as childhood conditions like squint and amblyopia (lazy eye) or myopia (short- sightedness) are picked up early.

The sooner problems are identified the better the treatment outcome.

Remember sight tests are free on the NHS for all children under 16 years.

Eat a rainbow

Eating a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables helps ensure young eyes get the nutrients they need to grow healthily.

Foods like tomatoes, grapes and blueberries as well as fish, eggs and whole grains are packed with eye–friendly nutrients.

Go out and play

There is evidence that spending two hours or more a day outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia, even if there is a family history of the condition.

So, make sure children go out to play whatever the weather.

Be safe in the sun

It’s also really important to protect kids’ eyes from the sun.

When you’re young the lens at the front of your eye is really clear and lets more of the damaging sunlight in.

Check kids’ sunglasses carry a UKCA or UV 400 mark to ensure they offer adequate protection.

Take a break

Children should be reminded to take regular breaks whenever they do any intense close work like scrolling on a phone or reading a book.

Encourage them to look up at least every 20 minutes and relax their eyes for 20 seconds.

Teenagers viewing smart phones should hold the screen at least 30cms away from their face to avoid eye strain.

Tell-tale signs

It’s often difficult to tell if your child is having problems with their eyes but some tell-tale signs that there could be something wrong include struggling to recognise colours and shapes; not showing any interest in learning to read; complaining about headaches and sitting very close to the TV

If you recognise any of these symptoms you should arrange for your child to have a sight test.

Published: 25 September 2024

Half of all sight loss is avoidable, so it’s vital we're aware of the ‘red flags’ that could signal a threat to our vision, and know where to seek help to prevent irreversible vision impairment.

Conditions like retinal detachment, severe forms of uveitis, certain types of glaucoma, as well as corneal abrasions and infection can all cause sudden and permanent sight loss.

The warning signs

Anybody suddenly experiencing the following symptoms should contact their local optician or call the NHS 111 service without delay:

• A curtain, veil or shadow in your vision

• Sudden sight loss or double vision

• Acute redness in one or both eyes

• Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light)

• Severe eye pain

• Suddenly seeing lots of flashes or floaters (little dots or squiggles).

For most, these symptoms will be caused by a minor condition that is easily treatable, however, it’s important to rule out serious eye complaints that can lead to sudden and permanent vision loss. Urgent medical attention should also be sought if you have a foreign body in your eye that you can’t flush out at home using an eye wash.

Treating eye emergencies

Many of us think high street opticians only offer routine sight tests but more and more now provide a wide range of enhanced services, including same day NHS appointments for urgent eye care issues.

These services are free on the NHS, even if you don’t qualify for NHS sight tests.

If you require medication to treat your condition the optometrist can write a prescription for you there and then or refer you to hospital care, if necessary.

Accessing the wide range of services available at community opticians helps reduce the burden on other primary care services such as GPs and ensures eye conditions are diagnosed and treated early to prevent avoidable sight loss.

Published: 24 September 2024

New research launched to mark the start of National Eye Health Week (23-29 September) reveals a staggering 19 million Brits are putting their physical and mental health at risk by failing to have regular eye tests [1].

Routine eye tests are essential health checks for the prevention of poor health. In addition to identifying problems with eyesight they can also detect a range of other ailments including high blood pressure (hypertension), raised cholesterol, heart disease, brain tumours and risk of stroke.

Poor vision is linked to numerous chronic and life-limiting conditions [2]. A new study from Johns Hopkins University reveals up to one in five dementia cases are directly linked to eyesight issues [3].

Even a relatively minor reduction in vision (6/12 – half way down an optometrist’s letter chart) is associated with a significant reduction in quality of life and increased risk of depression (3xrisk), falls (double risk) and early death (double risk)[4].

David Cartwright, optometrist and chair of Eye Health UK urges everyone who hasn’t had an eye test in the last two years to book one and explains: “Sight-threatening eye disease and conditions like hypertension can present with no, or few, noticeable symptoms. If caught early though they can be treated, or successfully managed, before they become a problem.”

David continues: High-street optometrists play a crucial role in improving health opportunities for all. As well as caring for the nation’s eye health and preventing avoidable sight loss [5], optometrists can direct people to get the help they need for a wide-range of illnesses, including the 400,000 adults in the UK estimated to be living with undiagnosed heart failure and 88,000 people living with undetected brain tumours [6].”

Read Hugo’s story for a powerful account of how an eye examination led to the diagnosis and successful treatment of his brain tumour.

People from low-income households, men, and people from minority ethnic backgrounds were most likely to have skipped a recent eye test, whilst 2.5 million over 65s admit they haven’t had their eyes checked in the last two years, as recommended.

Fear of cost needn’t be a barrier to having an eye test. Sight tests are free on the NHS for more than 30 million Brits including children, over 60s and those on income-related benefits.

David Cartwright explains: “NHS-funded provision means eye care services are accessible for all. Free sight tests and optical vouchers are available for many, including those on low incomes and people at increased risk of poor eye health due to age or medical history. People unable to leave home unaided are entitled to free domiciliary (at home) eye tests; whilst local ICBs (Integrated Care Boards) or local NHS area teams commission translation and interpretation services ensuring a patient’s language or communication skills are not barriers to eye care.”

Eye Health UK’s research also highlights the impact poor eye health is having on our day-to-day lives. Around half (49%) of adults in the UK say that the quality of their vision affects their ability to do, or enjoy, daily activities like household chores, driving, reading and hobbies.

As well as having regular eye tests, once every two years, unless advised otherwise by your optometrist, there are a number of other ways we can protect, or improve, our sight.

Lifestyle habits have a significant impact on eye health regardless of genetic predisposition.  Your diet, weight, activity levels and alcohol consumption can all affect your eye health.

Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays and not smoking will help keep your eyes and vision healthy.

Multiple studies also show spending two hours+ a day outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia (short-sightedness), even if there is a family history of the condition.

Explore the rest of the vision matters website for helpful advice and information on caring for your eyes.

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Footnotes

[1] OnePoll survey of 2,000 Adults representative of the UK population conducted 6th to 10th September 2024 on behalf of Eye Health UK to mark National Eye Health Week (23-29 September 2024). Population estimated using UK data correct as at Jan 2024. Total UK population aged 18+ = 56.3 million. 36% have not had an eye test in last two years, 4% can’t remember last time they had an eye test.
[2] Health problems with links to poor eye health include, but are not limited to: diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
[3] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology
[4] https://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c1711
[5] Half of all sight loss is avoidable. Source: Deloitte Access Economics (2017) Incidence and risk of sight loss and blindness in the UK Royal National Institute of Blind People
[6] Source Heart Failure estimate = British Society for Heart Failure 2024. Source for Brain Tumour estimate The Brain Tumour Charity.

Published: 23 September 2024

The organisers of National Eye Health Week (NEHW) are inviting everyone in optics to support this year’s awareness campaign (23-29 September 2024) and help spread the word on eye health.  

National Eye Health Week is the biggest and most effective independent public eye health campaign in the UK, sharing important eye care advice with tens of millions of people every year[ [1]. However, there are still many in optics who are missing the opportunity to join the conversation and shout about the vital role eye care practitioners play in keeping Britain healthy.

David Cartwright, chair of Eye Health UK, the charity responsible for running NEHW comments: “Good eye care is essential for good general health, yet awareness of its importance remains low across important groups, including the public and policy-makers. Far too many people don’t currently access primary eye care services and continue to adopt lifestyle habits that needlessly increase their risk of living with sight loss or poor eye health.

NEHW provides a unique platform to put eye care at the heart of the NHS’ prevention programme, ensuring early detection of disease and encouraging individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices.

David continues: “If the entire sector joined forces to raise the profile of optics, we could ensure important messages about eye care get heard and help make a positive difference to the state of the nation’s eye health. In-fact, it could be a real game-changer for optics.”

Details about the daily themes and some exciting new initiatives launching for NEHW 2024 will be unveiled in the spring,

in the meantime though here are five simple ways individuals and organisations can start preparing for this important awareness-raising week…

1.     SAVE THE DATE! Put 23-29 September in your diary and get ready to spread the word on eye health.

2.     REGISTER FOR FREE RESOURCES. Email your name, business name and contact details to info@visionmatters.org.uk to register to receive a free promotional toolkit

3.     FOLLOW & SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Join the conversation on your social channels by following us on:

Instagram @NationalEyeHealthWeek

X (formerly Twitter) @myvisionmatters

Facebook @NationalEyeHealthWeek

4.      BECOME AN OFFICIAL PARTNER - Larger organisations interested in our official partnership programme should contact rachel@visionmatters.org.uk

5.     DONATE - The scale, scope and reach of the Week relies on financial backing from the sector and other third parties as no public funds are currently available to support the initiative (although securing public funding is one of the charity’s medium-term ambitions).

Making a contribution is easy. Simply click the voluntary levy button on your PCSE Online account and ‘OPT IN’ to the Eyecare Trust voluntary levy scheme.

Alternatively, contact rachel@visionmatters.org.uk for details about making a one-off donation.  Every penny raised really does make a difference and benefits both the public and the profession.

Published ; February 2024