Newham Council is joining forces with a range of partners including East London vision and health professionals from across the borough to promote the importance of eye health and regular sight tests.

More than half of all sight loss can be avoided, and yet many don’t know the best way to look after their eyes. National Eye Health Week, which takes place from September 22-28, aims to change that by promoting the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests for everyone.

During the week, staff from Newham’s Information and Equipment Demonstration Area will be visiting libraries and venues across the borough. They will be promoting the best way to look after your eyes, the importance of regular sight tests, how good nutrition can support eye health, managing at home with sight loss and information about eye loss prevention and treatment.

The events are aimed at residents who want to find out more about maintaining good eye health, but also for residents who are partially sighted or blind.

The team will also be promoting local walking groups, Zumba and keep fit classes. Lack of exercise contributes significantly to several eye conditions, particularly among people aged 60 and over.

Councillor Clive Furness, executive member of health at Newham Council, said: “We are happy to be working with our partners to support National Eye Health Week. Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss, yet over half of these cases could be avoided, so it is vital everyone takes care of their eyes.

“It is important that people come together and raise awareness of the need to be proactive about their eye health in the same way as we would in relation to other health conditions.”