A futuristic sight loss simulator will be open to residents and visitors of central London on 19 September, hosted by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) during National Eye Health Week.
Visitors to the pod, stationed outside the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, will experience first hand the most common sight conditions and find out how to reduce the risk of sight loss later in life.
Importance of eye tests
Using this specially designed simulator pod RNIB aims to highlight the importance of regular eye tests - one of the key messages being promoted by eye care charities, organisations and health professionals involved in the third National Eye Health Week, 17-23 September.
The pod, which has two giant eyes that participants look through to experience conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts, is touring the country as part of RNIB's Save Our Sight (SOS) campaign. SOS aims to challenge unnecessary sight loss, encourage regular eye checks and promote the importance of timely access to vital treatment.
Landmarks doctored
RNIB has also released a series of images of famous London landmarks which have been altered to show people what these iconic views would look like if they had one of these common forms of sight loss.
Currently there are almost two million people with sight loss in the UK and it is predicted that by 2050 the number of people with sight loss in the UK will double to nearly four million. However up to 50 per cent of sight loss could be avoided, so it is vital that eye health is made a priority by individuals and health authorities.
"Serious message"
Clara Eaglen, RNIB Eye Health Campaigns Manager, said: "Although it looks like something from outer space, the pod has a serious message we hope will encourage people to make their eye health a priority. Too many people take their sight for granted, and treat sight loss as an inevitable consequence of ageing when it's not. In fact, up to 50 per cent of sight loss could be avoided and there are things people can do to protect their vision. Eye checks at least every two years are essential."
The pod will be open to the public from 10am-3pm on 19 September on the forecourt of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE.
For more information about the RNIB SOS campaign www.rnib.org.uk/sos
RNIB tips for healthy eyes
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Have a regular eye test at an optometrist's. Early detection means more chance of successful treatment
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Don't smoke. Smoking greatly increases the risk of certain eye conditions
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Eat healthily and keep trim. Include lots of green leafy vegetables in your diet to maintain eye health. Obesity is linked to diabetes and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
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Always wear sunglasses with a UV filter
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Wear safety goggles for DIY and craft hobbies to protect your eyes from flying debris and fine particles.
ENDS
For more information please contact Rachel Cafferty in RNIB's Public Relations Team on 020 7391 2043 / 0207 391 2223. Alternatively, you can email rachel.cafferty@rnib.org.uk
Notes to editors
National Eye Health Week
The third National Eye Health Week, 17-23 September, sees eye care charities, organisations and health professionals from across the UK join together to promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all. www.visionmatters.org.uk
Research by the College of Optometrists released to mark National Eye Health Week revealed that around five million Brits can't remember or believe it's been more than 10 years since they had an eye exam, despite the fact more than two thirds (66 per cent) of the population recognise that you can have a serious eye problem without realising it as there may not be any symptoms.
About RNIB
Everyday around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around 2 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