An MP is urging his constituents to “treasure” their sight by getting their eyes checked regularly after visiting a branch of optometrists in Market Harborough.
Sir Edward Garnier, Member of Parliament for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, had his eyes checked by optometrist Dan Callaghan at Clinton-Smith Warren and Davis Optometrists, based in the town’s St Mary’s Road.
Edward Garnier said: “I learnt a great deal about the importance of eye health during my visit to Davis Optometrists. Not only is a regular sight test vitally important for those who wear glasses, but having your eyes checked can also detect early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts or other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or even brain tumours.
“The message is clear and simple: ‘treasure your sight by getting your eyes tested regularly to help ensure you have healthy eyes and help avoid illnesses’. I get my eyes checked every year.”
Dan, who joined Davis Optometrists in the autumn on the back of a year of professional training after qualifying from the University of Manchester, said: “We strongly advise that everyone should have their eyes tested regardless of whether you need prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. For healthy eyes, we also advise that you eat well, don’t smoke and wear eye protection in bright sunlight.”
A total of 1.8 million people in the UK are living with sight loss; however, for 53 per cent of these, a simple sight test and new spectacles could really help.