Chris McCausland
Every six minutes in the United Kingdom, an individual receives the distressing news that they are facing sight loss. With a staggering two million people currently living with sight loss and one in five individuals experiencing significant vision impairment during their lifetime, it is abundantly clear that this is an urgent issue deserving of our immediate attention.
The statistics paint a sobering picture, revealing that one million people in the UK are confronted with avoidable sight loss. This not only places a heavy burden on individuals but also exacts a significant toll on the economy.
As per estimates from 2019, the annual cost of sight loss and blindness in the UK reached a staggering £36 billion. This figure is projected to increase by an additional £2.5 billion by 2024*. For some, vision loss is an abrupt and life-altering event, while for others, it is part of a long-term health condition.
Regardless of the circumstances, sight loss can profoundly impact daily life, contributing to an elevated risk of loneliness, isolation, and various other health conditions, including clinical depression, diabetes, dementia, and stroke.
Expert clinicians across the country are expressing mounting concerns about the alarming number of preventable cases of blindness. It is estimated that a remarkable 50% of all sight loss can be prevented with effective treatments currently available. No one should have to endure vision loss that could have been averted. For those for whom sight loss is inevitable, efforts must be made to ensure that it does not lead to catastrophic consequences for their lives.
World Sight Day, a global event observed on October 12th annually, serves as a poignant reminder of the daily challenges faced by individuals living with vision impairments. It is also a rallying cry for individuals, businesses, and organizations to support charitable initiatives like the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC), which are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of visually impaired people.
Influential personalities, including Dame Judi Dench, blind TV presenter Chris McCausland pictured, and renowned author Chris Brookmyre, are lending their support to RSBC’s mission to raise £100,000. This initiative aims to empower visually impaired children and young people and underscore the importance of eye health for individuals of all ages. As the world prepares to observe World Sight Day on Thursday, October 12th, RSBC urges everyone to recognize the significance of prioritizing eye health, especially in the workplace.
Shalni Sood, Director of Philanthropy at the Royal Society for Blind Children, emphasised the importance of regular eye check-ups, stating, “As we navigate our daily routines, we often take our vision for granted until it is affected. It is a stark reality that millions of people neglect regular eye tests. We must collectively raise awareness about the critical importance of regular eye check-ups and maintaining eye health. By doing so, we can prevent avoidable sight loss and improve the quality of life for countless individuals.”
Other organisations, such as Kroll, Gresham House, Scope Health and Eyecare, Zen Internet, Triodos Bank, and MacPhies, are engaging their employees in RSBC’s initiative, which involves creating a bespoke piece of mosaic art made up of thousands of eyes, including celebrity supporters, individuals, and people from across the UK.
For more information, to make a donation, or to get involved, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wsd.
