Rebecca Harris
That is exactly what Mrs Rebecca Harris, the Prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for the Castle Point constituency in Essex is doing.
Before standing at the next general election, Mrs Harris, who has family members with the potentially blinding eye disease glaucoma, will be having an eye test to reduce the risk of losing her sight to the disease and creating awareness that if undetected, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
Eye tests detect glaucoma
RNIB says an eye test is the only way of knowing you have glaucoma. If caught early enough, most people can be treated. If left untreated glaucoma can lead to blindness or partial sight and the sight lost can never be recovered.
To create better awareness of the importance of everybody having regular eye tests, Mrs Harris is supporting RNIB's work to make avoidable sight loss a thing of the past.
Preventable sight loss
Mrs Rebecca Harris, who will be having a full eye examination today at Castle Opticians, Thundersley, Benfleet said: " "Losing your sight can be devastating at any age, and when as much as 50 per cent of sight loss is actually preventable, it's vital everyone is aware of the importance of having regular eye checks.
"When I've been talking to people about supporting this campaign I've been struck by how few realise they may also be eligible for a free eye test such as everyone over 60 or in full-time education."
Glaucoma affects around 266,000 people in the UK. RNIB says many people may have lost their sight unnecessarily due to not having regular eye tests.
Up to 40 per cent of vision can be lost to glaucoma before a person is aware they have it. You may not be aware you have it until it's too late because typically glaucoma has no symptoms.
Regular eye tests
Moira Fraser RNIB's Campaign Manager said: "We welcome what Mrs Harris is doing. Everyone should have a regular eye test at least every 2 years and for people who are more vulnerable to eye diseases, once a year, or as advised by a doctor. Please think about having your eyes checked in the same way people routinely have dental and other health checks. You will never regret having an eye test!
Karen Castle from Castle Opticians who will be conducting Mrs Harris's eye test said: "A full glaucoma screening (test) should include looking in the eyes to assess the health of the optic nerve, a measurement of the pressure in the eyes and a visual field test to check for blind spots. A retinal photo is also advisable if your optician has the necessary equipment. All the tests are easy and painless. We are checking for gradual changes over fairly long periods of time so continuity of care is very important - it is worth finding an optometrist you are happy with and sticking with them!."
People most at risk
People most at risk from glaucoma, which is commonly referred to as tunnel vision, include: those with a close relative who has glaucoma; people of African origin; and blind, partially sighted and short sighted people and people with diabetes. In particular, anyone over age 40 and those who haven't had a full eye test in the last two years should make sure they have one soon.
For many people the eye test is free on the NHS including those over 60 or on certain benefits or in full time education and for diabetics and people over 40 with a close relative who has glaucoma.
With around 100 people everyday in the UK starting to lose their sight, RNIB, whose Royal Charter states that the charity must work to prevent avoidable blindness, aims to do everything it can to make avoidable sight loss a thing of the past by the year 2020.
Further information
In Parliament 20 cross-party MPs make up The All Party Group on Visual Impairment which works with RNIB and other organisations to prevent sight loss and to improve services for blind and partially sighted people. More information on this group can be found at...
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/register/memi299.
For more media information contact Bill Alker, RNIB Press Office 0115 987 1522 or 020 7391 2223 out of hours mobile 079 6848 2812.
Notes to Editors
1. Rebecca Harris will be having her eyes tested at, Castle Opticians, 78 Hart Road, Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 3PF at approximately 12 noon to 1pm. Rebecca Harris, RNIB's Moira Fraser and Karen Castle will be available for comment and pictures of the eye test, after which Mrs Harris will have her eye test.
2. If you or somebody you know needs help with a sight problem, call the RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk ///end of news release///