Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has visited the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s futuristic sight loss simulator to experience at first hand common sight conditions and find out how he can work with RNIB to reduce the risk of sight loss for people in Stockton North.
Using a specially designed simulator pod to illustrate common sight threatening eye conditions, RNIB highlighted the importance of regular eye tests, the need to detect and treat conditions that lead to sight loss at an early stage, and how local authorities can make eye health a priority.
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. That could mean around 6,000 people in the Stockton North constituency alone. However, up to 50 per cent of sight loss could be avoided if detected and treated early enough, so it is vital that eye health is made a priority.
Alex said:
“Many people take their sight for granted, and assume that sight loss is 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. I urge people to have eye checks at least every two years, it is essential in detecting sight conditions at a stage at which they could be treated.”
