Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is urging local residents to undergo regular eye tests as part of National Eye Week from 22–28 September 2014.

King’s Mill Hospital will raise awareness by displaying boards and posters in the King’s Treatment Centre to engage the public and staff of the importance of regular sight tests.

Despite sight being the sense that people fear losing the most, many people are unaware of the best treatment for eye care. With simple lifestyle choices the public can help prevent eye deterioration, such as eating healthily, quitting smoking and using correct and essential eye equipment to prevent harmful rays.

Sushma Dhar-Munshi, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “It is important that people have regular eye tests because minor ailments can be treated early so they don’t become serious later.”

Deborah Plunkett, Head Orthoptist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: ‘’It is important for children aged 4 -5 years to have school entry vision screening which may detect uncorrected refractive error (need for glasses) and squints.

“This is the fifth National Eye Week that we have celebrated. It is an important time for us to raise awareness about the things we do at the hospital to support patients with eye conditions.

“Everyday life can put a strain on your eyes but regular sight testing and making the right lifestyle choices can help keep your eyes and vision healthy.”