National Eye Health Week 21 to 27 September 2026

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 your eyes. If you are concerned about any changes with your eyesight always 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.

To help raise awareness of the important of good eye health we are asking everyone to ‘Dress Bright for Sight‘ during National Eye Health Week (21-27th September) or on World Sight Day (Thursday 8th October). Wearing bright clothes for the day might just spark a conversation with family, friends or colleagues about the importance of looking after our eyes. Something as simple as reminding someone to book an eye test could help save their sight before they even know there’s a problem. We are also asking people to make a donation themselves for wearing bright clothes (like an old school non uniform day!) or ask for sponsorship to ‘dare to glare’ in bright clothes in public! You could even organise a cake sale at your work, school, or club to raise a few more pounds – all of which will help us to continue supporting local people across Derby or Derbyshire who are living with the daily challenges of sight loss. Every £1 raised will make a difference.

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.