Vision Van returns for World Glaucoma Week 2017
Laura Nash
Published 13 March 2017
Press release
In support of World Glaucoma Week (12 – 18 March), Vision Express is partnering again with leading health roadshow expert, EMS Healthcare, to take the UK’s largest high-street mobile eye testing unit, the ‘Vision Van’, back on the road.
The ‘Vision Van’ is equipped with the very latest eye testing technology, and over the course of the week will be touring cities around the north of England and Scotland where the prevalence of glaucoma is high. Visitors will be invited on board for a free comprehensive 30-minute eye test, and ambassadors from the International Glaucoma Association will be present to help raise awareness of glaucoma and provide advice on eye health.
Glaucoma, a condition of increased pressure within the eye, is known as ‘the silent thief of sight’, which gradually worsens when left untreated. It is the world’s second leading cause of blindness, yet 50 per cent of glaucoma cases in the UK currently go undetected without regular eye tests. Awareness of glaucoma is only 28 per cent among at-risk groups and 37 per cent of people do not seek eye tests in the UK due to concerns over costs. If detected and treated early, around 90 per cent of people with glaucoma retain useful eyesight for life.
“It is incredibly important for everyone to maintain regular eye checks”, explained Omar Hassan, Head of Professional Services at Vision Express. “Symptomless conditions, such as glaucoma, can only be picked up during an eye test, and leaving this untreated can result in sight loss. If detected early, glaucoma can be treated with surgery, or most often simply with eye drops.”
Omar continued: “The ‘Vision Van’ tours work well because they allow us to reach people in the heart of their community, whilst also giving us the opportunity to conduct eye tests there and then, making a massive difference to visitors’ eye health.”
EMS Healthcare has worked closely with agency Timebased to provide Vision Express with the ‘Vision Van’ for the past four years, designing and fitting-out the DDA compliant Quest medical unit to include two private eye-testing rooms and a comfortable patient waiting area.
Suzie Nield, Business Delivery Manager at EMS Healthcare, commented: “It’s fantastic to be involved with the ‘Vision Van’ again, supporting yet another vital cause.
“Many of our employees are roadshow managers that spend most of their time driving, so eye health is something we take very seriously. The statistics for glaucoma speak for themselves, and we’re encouraging everyone who can to come along and make the most of the free eye tests and resources available.”
This week, the Vision Van will be making stops in; Manchester, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stockton-On-Tees. Stay up to date with the latest news and follow the Vision Van’s journey on Twitter @EMSHealthcare.
Free eye test vouchers will also be downloadable from the Vision Express website from 8th – 26th March, redeemable at a Vision Express store until 30th April 2017.