Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, visited Kelcher’s Optometrists on Wardles Lane, Great Wyrley on Thursday 30th July to learn about why regular eye tests are so important in preventing blindness.
Gavin visited the family run optical practice, which was taken over by Graham Kelcher in 1977, to see the latest technology available, which will ensure the best eye tests are provided to patients. Gavin also spoke to optometrists about how regular eye tests can pick up health problems such as diabetes.
1.8 million people in the UK are living with sight loss and this figure is set to increase by 115% to nearly 4 million people by 2050, largely due to the ageing population. Much of this is preventable through the early detection and treatment of eye problems. Regular eye tests are a simple and practical way to maintain good eye health and look after your eyes.
Many groups of people are entitled to free NHS sight tests. These include those aged 60 and over, all children under 16 and those on low incomes.
Commenting on his visit Gavin said: “I had such an interesting time visiting Kelcher’s Optometrists. It was wonderful to visit a practice which has been providing such an important service in Great Wyrley. I was fascinated to discover than an eye test can pick up other health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Good eyesight is something we only notice we have when it’s gone, which is why I am encouraging those that don’t already have regular eye tests to book in to visit their local opticians.”