In the UK there are almost two million people affected by sight loss, and this is set to double to four million by 2050. Over half of sight loss is avoidable through better access to timely diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.
This year we're taking our Eye pod trailer to the party conferences to talk to politicians, councillors, party members and delegates about the importance of sight saving treatments and eye health strategies.
Our Eye Pod messages
The RNIB Eye Pod is a futuristic pod where participants can look through two giant eyes that simulate what it's like to see the world with common eye conditions. We'll be using the pod to talk about a number of issues that affect blind and partially sighted people and what MPs, councillors and others can do to help...
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With the cost of sight loss to the UK economy set to increase to £7.9 billion by 2013, the UK must 'Spend Now to Save Later' by ensuring that treatments are available as soon as they are needed and appropriate resource is invested in public health messages around sight loss.
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Local authorities can recognise eye health as a local public health need through joint strategic needs assessments (JSNAs).
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Blind and partially sighted people need to have consistent and joined up national and local services and benefits that recognise the barriers of sight loss to enable a full and independent life.
Party conference documents
If you have visited our stand and want more information you can download the briefings here:
Further information
For more information about the Eye pod please visit our eye health campaign pages where you can also find further information about our Save Our Sight campaign.