Specsavers Harrogate celebrated its long-standing commitment to promoting better eye health in the local community during National Eye Health Week (22 – 28 September) by partnering with Vision Support.
As a locally owned and run store, Specsavers Harrogate is dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of people in the community.
During NEHW, Haroon Ashiq attended Vision Support’s New to Sight Loss meeting at their centre, located at 23 East Parade in Harrogate. He listened to and chatted with visitors about the importance of regular checkups and answered any questions they had about specific eye conditions.
The meeting takes place every third Wednesday of the month from 1pm to 3pm and is open to those recently referred, following a recent diagnosis or deteriorative eye condition. Members can find support and resources to help them adapt to their new life and are signposted to resources that can encourage them to build their independence.
With figures from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) revealing that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime*, Specsavers Harrogate urged locals to prioritise their eye health.
Helen McGrath, eye clinic liaison officer at Vision Support Harrogate District, said:
"We’re grateful to Haroon at Specsavers Harrogate for attending our meeting and speaking to our members.
"It’s essential for us to provide our members with access to support, especially at the beginning, as it’s a new way of life, and they have many questions.
"Vision loss can make individuals feel vulnerable and in need of a helping hand to regain independence, as well as to be signposted to aids and experts in the area who can assist them through the changes sight loss brings.
"We’re committed to helping anyone with any level of vision loss and providing a safe, welcoming environment that promotes and encourages independence.
"We aim to eliminate feelings of isolation and boost the confidence of every individual at each stage of their journey with sight loss.
"The ECLO service I deliver is fully funded through the efforts of Vision Support Harrogate District, and my training was sponsored by Specsavers Harrogate, who recognise the importance of our service."
Haroon Ashiq, director at Specsavers Harrogate, said:
"It was a pleasure to attend Vision Support’s meeting and offer guidance to those living with sight impairments, as well as answer any questions they had about eye care.
"One thing that resonates with everyone present is that the team on hand have sight impairment themselves, fostering an understanding and positive environment where people can seek guidance, reassurance, and practical solutions tailored to their individual needs.’
"As local opticians, we’re proud to work alongside Vision Support to ensure that people in Harrogate have access not only to eye care but also to the ongoing support they need to live confidently with sight loss and macular degeneration.
"Many people don't realise that sight loss can often be prevented or treated if a condition is detected early. Regular eye tests are essential for everyone, even if your vision seems fine.
"Eye tests are not just about glasses; they can identify serious conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and early signs that may lead to high blood pressure or increase the risk of stroke."
National Eye Health Week highlights how preventative care and early diagnosis are crucial in reducing unnecessary sight loss. According to RNIB, 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight every day, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages*.
Eye health can also be affected by screen fatigue, especially as more people spend time on devices without consistent breaks.
Specsavers recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away to help reduce strain and preserve vision.
For more information on Specsavers Harrogate or to book an appointment, call the store on 01423 564 515 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/harrogate
