18th to 24th September 2023 is National Eye Health Week

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.

What’s On During National Eye Health Week 2023

Dress Bright For Sight! Who doesn’t love a ‘non uniform day’? Get your colleagues together, rally your group of friends and wear your brightest clothes for one day to raise money for Sight Support Derbyshire during National Eye Health Week. Simply wear bright clothes and make a donation to Sight Support Derbyshire. Maybe you could hold a cake sale as well and don’t forget to remind all your friends and colleagues how important it is to look after your eyes and have regular eye tests. You can join in if you’re working from home too! Find out more here: Dress Bright for Sight

Colour, Courage and Confidence If you have a visual impairment, why not join us for an informative, relaxing and uplifting morning at one of our ‘Colour, Courage and Confidence’ sessions during National Eye Health Week? These sessions will be an opportunity to explore how looking after your-self can also help your eye health and help you to deal with daily challenges. Topics will include: tips for reducing stress, relaxation techniques, healthy diet, keeping positive and practical activities including chair-based exercise and laughter yoga. We will all be wearing something colourful on the day as part of Dress Bright for Sight and there will be home-made cakes available, donations welcome. To book your place please call 01332 292262 or email enquiries@sightsupportderbyshire.org.uk

        Tuesday 19th September 10.30-12
         Sight Support Derbyshire, 2A Wentworth House, Vernon Gate, Derby DE1 1UR

       Wednesday 20th September 10.30-12
        Assembly Rooms, Market Hall, Chesterfield S40 1AR

Find out more here: ‘Colour, Courage and Confidence‘

National Eye Health Week Open Day and Information Event  On Tuesday 19th September from 10-2 we will be joining with other sight loss charities to offer information on our services and the help we can provide at NewMedica Barlborough’s Open Day. Come along to learn more about local support and services available to you or a loved one living with sight loss. Join us for a spot of lunch and take the opportunity to meet local charity and support groups. Find out more here: Barlborough Open Day

National Eye Health Week Information Stand  On Wednesday 20th September from 9.30-2.30 we will be at Morrisons Supermarket, Wheatcroft Way, Derby DE21 4RY with information on eye health, our services and support, equipment etc, as well as a tombola. If you’re getting your shopping, please stop by and say hello – we’d love to have a chat with you.

National Eye Health Week Information Stand  On Wednesday 20th September from 10-2 we will also be in the Charity Hub at the main entrance of Chesterfield Royal Hospital so please come along and say hello.

Local Opticians ‘Take on 250’ for Sight Support Derbyshire  Thursday 21st – Saturday 23rd September. If you’re in the Normanton area of Derby please pop into the Specsavers in Normanton and show your support for their staff team who are attempting to cycle 250km between them on a static bike to raise awareness for National Eye Health Week, as well as raising funds for Sight Support Derbyshire. Every day 250 people in the UK will begin to lose their sight which is why the team are going to try their very best to reach the 250km milestone. On Saturday there will also be a raffle and cake sale so well worth calling in! Whilst you’re there, why not book an eye test – the best way to ensure good eye health.

Children & Young People’s Colour Session  On Thursday 28th September from 5-7pm at Wentworth House, our Children and Young People’s group will be having a colourful evening as part of Dress Bright for Sight! If you have a child who is blind or partially sighted and between the ages of 8-18 please get in touch – we run a range of activities and outings throughout the year providing the children with a whole range of opportunities from crafts and baking to climbing, paddleboarding and trampolining. Find out more and book your place by calling 01332 292262 or email enquiries@sightsupportderbyshire.org.uk

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.