Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South
Basildon and East Thurrock, recently visited the Royal National Institute ofBlind People’s futuristic sight loss simulator. He experienced firsthand the
difficulties facing people with common sight conditions and found out how he
can work with the RNIB to reduce the risk of sight loss for people in South
Basildon & East Thurrock.
Using a specially designed simulator pod
to illustrate common sight threatening eye conditions, the RNIB highlighted the
importance of regular eye tests and demonstrated the need for local authorities
to make eye health a priority so that conditions can be detected and treated at
an early stage.
There are currently almost two million
people with sight loss in the UK and it is predicted that by 2050 this number
will have doubled to nearly four million. This would affect 6,000 people in South
Basildon & East Thurrock alone. Fortunately, up to 50 per cent of sight
loss could be prevented through early detection and treatment so it is
therefore vital that eye health is made a priority.
Stephen Metcalfe MP supported this message
saying: "It is vital that people do not take their sight for granted.
Experiencing a number of eye conditions in the simulator really demonstrated to
me the importance of having eye checks. The RNIB recommend at least one test
every two years and I would encourage all of my constituents to do this. A
simple check really can make the world of difference.”
