Local optometrists instrumental in saving sight
Accountant Philip Campbell (left) having his eyes tested by his local optometrist
During National Health Week (22-28 September), sight loss support charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), and Optometry NI, the governing body for community optometrists are calling on the general public to look after their sight.
RNIB state that one in five us will experience sight loss in our lifetime, but that over 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable. Alongside Optometry NI they are highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention in eye health to prevent sight loss.
As part of the campaign, a giant pair of yellow spectacles are making their way around optometry practices in Northern Ireland, ahead of an event in Stormont on Tuesday 23 September, with the aim of highlighting the vital role local optometrists play.
Brian McKeown, Chair of Optometry Northern Ireland, said: “The aim of the Big Spectacle Relay is to raise awareness of the need for timely eye care. There are lots of people out there in the community who don’t get their eyes tested. Our hope is that this campaign might catch parents who say, ‘kids, let’s go and get your eyes tested now you’re back to school,’ or ‘I really should get checked out, it’s been a while’. That’s the whole premise. There is support in costs of eye tests and glasses. Look after your eyes, they’re the only set you’ve got.”
Sight saving care - Corneal ulcers and me – Philip’s story
Philip Campbell, a 40-year-old father of two from Larne, first experienced the excruciating pain of a corneal ulcer seven years ago during a demanding work period. As an accountant spending long hours in front of a screen, he woke one morning with watery eyes, light sensitivity, and severe discomfort. His local optometrist quickly identified an ulcer on his central cornea and referred him urgently to eye casualty, where he was diagnosed with a corneal ulcer due to microbial keratitis and given antibiotic drops.
Philip said, “They had to take a sample. You’d be surprised how you can keep your eye open, and still, when there’s a scalpel coming towards it.
“I had to close all blinds in the house and keep my eyes closed for nearly a week. I couldn’t even look at a computer screen or TV, the pain was too much. It did resolve, but they kept reoccurring roughly every 6 months, particularly during busy, stressful periods.
“At the start they weren’t really sure what was causing them. I’m really short sighted and was wearing contacts all day every day at the time, sometimes forgetting to take them out at night or in the shower and things and thought that might have contributed to it. So I tightened up on that, wearing my contacts less, keeping everything so clean, taking breaks from the screen, using a lubricating spray, drops at night and doing eye exercises to reduce the risk of reoccurrence. After the second or third ulcer however, the consultant said I should really take a break from wearing contacts at all.
“I was diagnosed with Dry eye initially, but they recently concluded blepharitis, or blocked tear ducts, was the main problem, and I now use a particular heated eye mask called the Eye Wizard and massage round my eyes before bed to keep them clear. That new bedtime routine has been a game changer.
“I haven’t had another corneal ulcer in over 9 months now, my longest stretch in those 7 years.
“Thankfully the ulcers have all been on the outside of my iris, but if one occurs at the front, directly over my pupil, you can be left with permanent sight loss due to the scarring.
Philip credits his local optometrist, Darren Caulfield of Specsavers Larne, for swift and effective care.
“I’m incredibly grateful for Darren in Specsavers Larne for making every effort to make sure I could be seen and treated as quickly as possible.
“The hope is that I don’t have a further occurrence, but at least I know where to go at the first sign.”
Darren Caulfield, Director - Optometrist with Specsavers Larne said, “We are delighted to be able to offer an urgent care service for all patients who may have concerns regarding a sudden change to their vision.
“With the increased pressures placed on GPs and local health services we are pleased to offer this local service to help ease their burden and provide a quick and simple pathway for patients to be seen.”
For further information on support available from RNIB for anyone who has experience sight loss or has a condition affecting their sight, visit rnib.org.uk/NorthernIreland or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999
You can support the Big Spectacle Relay via JustGiving: search ‘BigSpectacleRelay’.
Notes to editor
