National Eye Health Week 22 to 28 September 2025

At Sight Support Derbyshire we see at first hand the challenges of living with sight loss. Some eye conditions cannot be prevented. However, looking after your eyes and taking care of your general health can help to prevent others, so it makes sense to look after them while you can. If you are concerned about any changes with your eyesight contact your optician straight away. National Eye Health Week is a great opportunity for us all to remember just how important it is to look after our eyes.

Here’s what we will be up to during National Eye Health Week:

Monday 22nd September – Staff promoting good eye health, and the services and support we can provide at the Technology Enabled Care event at County Hall, Matlock

Tuesday 23rd September – Sight Support Derbyshire staff will be donning their brightest clothes as they Dress Bright for Sight to raise awareness of good eye health and to raise vital funds to support our work. Find out how you can get involved here: Dress Bright for Sight

Wednesday 24th September – Launch of our Music Vision Room music workshops in Chesterfield. A fantastic opportunity for local people living with a visual impairment to make music with renowned musician Mendi Singh, who has worked with the likes of Take That and Peter Gabriel, and has a passion for making music accessible for all. Find out more here: Music Workshops

Wednesday 24th September – Staff and volunteers at Morrisons, Wheatcroft Way, Derby promoting the importance of good eye health. Why not pop down, say hello and have a go on our tombola!

Wednesday 24th September – Staff promoting good eye health to children at the 1st Alvaston Rainbows Group and joining in their Dress Bright for Sight evening

Wednesday 24th September – Staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital promoting good eye health to staff, visitors and patients

Thursday 25th September – Staff promoting good eye health at the Stanley Village Over 60’s group

Saturday 27th September – Joint event with Elliott and Health Opticians, Chesterfield with the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield

Looking after your eyes

Follow the Sight Support Derbyshire QUEST for healthier eyes:

QUit Smoking – the link between smoking and sight loss is as strong as the link between smoking and cancer

Eat healthily and take regular exercise – a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables, brightly coloured fruit and vegetables and oily fish will provide your eyes with a feast of vital nutrients and anti-oxidants

Sunglasses – always protect your eyes in bright sunlight, wearing sunglasses which carry the CE or British Standard mark. Protect children’s eyes too – 80 per cent of the eyes’ exposure to harmful UV rays occurs in childhood.

Test – get your eyes regularly tested even if you don’t wear glasses, at least every two years. Eye tests are not just about whether you need glasses, they can detect changes in your general health too. If you haven’t had a test for a while, book one during National Eye Health Week.

For more information about eye health, and looking after children’s eyes, click on the button below.