As Black History Month continues, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Organisation of Blind African Caribbeans (OBAC), are encouraging people in south London to take a moment and check their own family history for any medical conditions like glaucoma or diabetes.
Every day in the UK 100 people start to lose their sight. There is evidence that people with a family record of glaucoma and diabetes are at a greater risk of developing the condition themselves, and potentially losing their sight.
Studies also show that people from African or African-Caribbean backgrounds are estimated to be four to five times more likely to be diagnosed with sight conditions such as glaucoma than their white counterparts.
Glaucoma can have no symptoms in its early stages and can only be picked up through an eye check. It is possible to lose 40% of your sight before you notice that something is wrong and it can lead to blindness. However, if diagnosed early enough glaucoma can be successfully treated to prevent sight deteriorating further. Glaucoma is currently the most common cause of sight loss among black people in the UK.
57-year-old Adeniyi Ogunsanya, of Streatham, recognises the importance of regular eye tests following the complete loss of vision in his right eye as a result of glaucoma. He says: "Many people who don't wear glasses think that blindness cannot happen to them, but it can happen to anybody. Blindness can occur at any age. Everybody is at risk, but people from African and Caribbean communities need to be extra careful.
"It's always good for people to check their eyes, to pick up other health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Prevention is better than cure. Early detection prevents blindness."
RNIB optometrist Sonal Rughani, adds: "Having regular eye health checks is vital. Even though you see well and don't notice any symptoms, your optometrist can still pick up early signs of an eye or health condition that can be treated, preventing you from needlessly losing your sight - think of it as an MOT for your eyes."
Residents of the London boroughs of Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark are being targeted by RNIB, the UK's leading sight loss charity, and OBAC as part of an ongoing campaign to promote eye health and raise awareness of conditions like glaucoma.
Henry Nicholson, outreach worker for OBAC, said: "Family history is really important when it comes to certain eye conditions, so we urge people during Black History Month to delve into their past and research their ancestry. As well as uncovering family stories, tracing your family tree might just save your sight."
As well as regular eye check-ups, RNIB recommends that people take other practical steps to protect their sight, such as not smoking, eating a balanced diet and covering up eyes in the sun.
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For more information, please contact the RNIB Media Relations Team on 020 7391 2223 (out of hours mobile: 07968 482812).
Notes to Editor:
Available for interview:
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Adeniyi Ogunsanya
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Sonal Rughani - RNIB Optometrist
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Henry Nicholson - OBAC outreach worker.
Glaucoma outreach project
With research indicating that people of African or Caribbean origin are up to five times more at risk of developing chronic glaucoma, it is important to raise awareness within these communities. RNIB and the Organisation of Blind African Caribbeans (OBAC) are working in partnership in Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark:
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Raise awareness of glaucoma and eye health issues with people of African and Caribbean descent
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Increase the uptake of eye health checks and increase the number of positive referrals of glaucoma
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Explore reasons for the low uptake of primary care eye health services
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Identify and describe the lessons learnt from the engagement process.
RNIB is running a series of outreach sessions during Black History Month to provide information to people from the African and African Caribbean community. The charity will have a stand at the following events:
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Sat 3 Oct - Southwark Launch event, Harris Academy, Peckham 12-5pm
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Thurs 8 - 'Barack Obama - the Movement for Change', Peckham library 5-7.45pm
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Tues 13 - 'Tea and Cake From Around the World', Lewisham Pensioners Forum, Saville Centre, Lewisham 11.30am-2pm
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Sat 17 - 'Health and Wellbeing Day: Shaka services for all the family', Nettlefold Hall, West Norwood 1.30-6pm
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Sat 24 - Untold Origins exhibition, Cumings Museum, Walworth 10-4pm
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Thurs 29 - Diabetes UK Healthy Living Day, Nettlefold Hall, West Norwood 10am-3pm
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Thurs 29 - 'Doing the Right Thing' Jim Pines on the Spike Lee Phenomenon, Forest Hill library 5-7.45pm.
About RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are around 1.8 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.
RNIB supports the UK Vision Strategy, a ground-breaking UK-wide initiative which seeks a major transformation in the UK's eye health, eye care and sight loss services. The strategy was launched in April 2008 in response to a World Health Assembly global resolution to reduce avoidable blindness by the year 2020 and to improve support and services for blind and partially sighted people. To find out more visit: www.vision2020uk.org.uk/ukvisionstrategy.
About OBAC
The Organisation of Blind African Caribbeans (OBAC) was founded in 1988 and became a registered charity in 1994. It aims to support blind and partially sighted Africans and Caribbean people on matters affecting their lives, assisting them to access relevant services, as well as providing training and education to enable them to take up opportunities in employment.