National Eye Health week 2012 in NI
The week of September 17-21 2012, saw the third National Eye Health week held across the UK.
National Eye Health Week is about helping people to understand how to take care of their sight, as research shows that many people are simply not aware of the vital importance of caring for their eyes.
This was why National Eye Health Week was set up by a coalition of organisations in 2009. The aim of the week is to raise awareness amongst the public about the need to look after their eye health and provide advice about how to do this.
Here in Northern Ireland, we hold a week of activities and events to raise public awareness of the importance of eye health and surrounding issues regarding sight loss.
In association with Optometry Northern Ireland (ONI)
467 Upper Newtonards Road
Belfast
BT4 3LJ
Why it's important to look after your eyes
We all value our sight and it's the sense most people fear losing more than any other, but many of us don't actively look after our sight.
100 people a day start to lose their sight in the UK, but for many people this shouldn't be the case.
How can I protect my sight?
The single most important thing you can do to protect your sight is attend a regular eye examination.
An eye test is the only way to see eye disease and when eye conditions are detected early the right type of treatment could save your sight.
Everyone should have an eye test at least every two years, but for those aged 70 and over it should be every year. For many people eye tests are free.
Four simple steps to protect your sight
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Quit smoking
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Eat a balanced diet
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Wear sunglasses
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Wear safety goggles when doing sport and DIY
Events during National Eye Health Week
18 September - AGM of the All Party Assembly Group (APAG) on Visual Impairment, Parliament buildings, Stormont
Thursday 20 September and Friday 21 September - We set up a Marquee in the front lawn of the City Hall, Belfast.
Within the Marquee:
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Pay £1 and take your chance at our Blindfolded Penalty Kick Challenge
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RNIB NI Resource Centre product demonstration Stand
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RNIB NI IT demonstration Stand
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As well as tea, coffee and refreshments and much more.
Be sure to look out for reports of activity in your local media, and if you wish to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.
Remember, if you want to find out more about eye health, just visit the Eye Health pages of our website, or to find out more about National Eye Health Week 2012 visit visionmatters.org.uk
Contact us
RNIB NI, Belfast premises
Address: RNIB NI, 40 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BA
Tel: 028 9032 9373
Email: rnibni@rnib.org.uk
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