RNIB NI urges Derry students to ‘get smart about eye health’ on World Sight Day
(L-R) Kirsty Campbell and Robert Shilliday from RNIB Northern Ireland with Richard Moore from Children in Crossfire, the Mayor of DCSDC Ruairi McHugh and Dr Catherine O'Mullan from NWRC
World Sight Day (Thursday, 9 October), is an annual opportunity to focus on vision and prioritise good eye health care and to mark the occasion, sight loss charity RNIB NI (the Royal National Institute of Blind People in Northern Ireland), invited over 50 students at North West Regional College in Derry/Londonderry to take part in an eye test information event at the campus Dial Centre. By hosting this event, RNIB urges students to ‘get smart about eye health’ and make sure they book that all important eye test.
One in five of us will experience sight loss in our lifetime and over 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable.
Right now in Northern Ireland there are 57,500 people living with sight loss, and this figure is expected to rise by over 25 per cent by 2032.
Within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, there are approximately 4,030 people living with sight loss.
Inspiration for this event came from local RNIB volunteer Rory McCartney who has dedicated many years to raising awareness of sight loss and campaigning for better inclusion in the city where he lives.
Together with a team of volunteers, Rory has delivered Understanding Sight loss sessions to about 500 students at North West Regional College.
On welcoming students to the event, RNIB Country Director Robert Shilliday, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the Dial Centre at North West Regional College once again to host this event.
“We’ve now forged a great working relationship with the college and I’m very proud of the work we’ve been able to achieve in partnership with the college. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank RNIB volunteer Rory McCartney for his tireless work in raising awareness of sight loss and also sincerely thank the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Ruairí McHugh for attending this event to mark World Sight Day.
“It’s wonderful to be able to stand in front of students and young people on World Sight Day and talk so freely about good eye health and why it matters so much. The most important message I hope the students take away from this event is that 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable so each of us should attend an eye test appointment at least every two years and practice good eye health in our day-to-day lives. I said to the students, whether they love or hate exams, an eye-test could be the easiest exam they do all year.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh met with representatives from RNIB and the college and spoke to students echoing RNIB’s plea for them to look after their eye health.
He said: “I am delighted to be here today and to support this crucial advice from RNIB. I had an eye test myself three weeks ago and am now the owner of my very first pair of glasses.
“As a former student of this college, it’s a privilege to come back here today and speak to you all. I am also very honoured to accept this award as a Visually Aware City Champion and will strive to continue on the great work being done in our city to make it a great place to live and work if you are a blind or partially sighted person.”
Also speaking at the event was RNIB Ambassador and CEO of charity Children in Crossfire, Richard Moore who said: “Because of the work of organisations like RNIB do, lobbying on behalf of people who are blind or partially sighted, I can carry out my work and do what I do. The role that young people can play in making the world a more accessible and inclusive place just can’t be quantified. A little thought about accessibility goes a long way.
“I want to say to students and young people to please look after your eyes and don’t wait until you think there’s a problem before making an appointment to visit your high street opticians. Look after your sight and never be afraid to stop and offer assistance or support to someone you might meet with sight loss. I believe asking or offering help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 and speak to a dedicated team who will be happy to answer your questions about looking after your eyes and where to find sight loss support. You can find plenty of information on how to look after your eyes on the RNIB website by visiting wwww.rnib.org.uk.
For further media information contact Joe Kenny at RNIB NI
T:07936 601266
E: [email protected]
Notes to editors
About RNIB
We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.
RNIB. See differently.
Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
Find RNIB Northern Ireland on Facebook – www.facebook.com/RNIBNorthernIreland
Follow RNIB NI on Twitter – www.twitter.com/RNIBNI