13 August 2015
Local MP for Waveney, Peter Aldous, visited Martin Storey Opticians in Beccles on Monday 10th August to find out why regular eye tests are so important in preventing blindness. 
 
1.8 million people in the UK are living with sight loss and this figure is set to increase by 115% to nearly 4 million people by 2050, largely due to the ageing population. Much of this is preventable through the early detection and treatment of eye problems. Regular eye tests are a simple and practical way to maintain good eye health and look after your eyes.
 
Ophthalmic optician (optometrist) and practice owner, Martin Storey, explained the health benefits of regular eye tests: 
 
“Too many eye conditions are often painless, asymptomatic and can cause irreversible damage. It is therefore really important to have regular eye examinations to enable the eye care professional to detect sight threatening disease and seek treatment.
 
“Community Optometrist shared care schemes are also important in decreasing the load on hospital eye services and minimizing unnecessary referrals to them by refining screening results using more specialized methods.  The current eye care technology is very advanced and has particularly improved early disease detection.”  
 
Commenting on his visit, Mr Aldous said: 
 
“I had a great time visiting Martin Storey Opticians in Beccles. It was very interesting to hear more about the range of conditions optometrists can detect during a sight test, and to see the advanced equipment they use in the community in action. I would definitely encourage all those who don’t regularly have their eyes tested to do so.”
 
Many groups of people are entitled to free NHS sight tests. These include those aged 60 and over, all children under 16 and those on low incomes. Optical practices are convenient and offer easy access in the local community. You can visit any practice that is either near where you live or where you work. Optical practices can see NHS patients at times that suit them. 
 
Photo: Practice owner/ Optometrist Martin Storey and Peter Aldous MP