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Next June will mark the inaugural National Eye Health Week, a national campaign by all optical bodies, charities and companies to raise the profile of eye health among the public.

Details of this initiative are still being developed by a grouping which includes a number of charities, companies and organisations.

David Scott-Ralphs, chairman of the steering group, said this was an exciting opportunity for the whole sector to pool resources and make a real difference to public awareness and the need for regular sight tests. 'I hope that next year's campaign is the first of many successful annual eye health awareness campaigns,' he added.

It is hoped that by combining their efforts they will create a national campaign with national impact on public awareness of the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests.

Giles Butler, project manager, said: 'This is a unique opportunity for the whole optical sector to come together to jointly promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests.

'We will be contacting all stakeholders and health professionals in the near future with more details on how they can participate in this exciting initiative.'

Organisers said the key to the success of the week would be the involvement of all stakeholders. Once plans were in place, as many stakeholders as possible would be contacted and encouraged to get involved. Those involved would be supported by publicity materials and a campaign website to create a single campaign.

It is also hoped that a national event can be organised during the week. Individual groups will be encouraged to organise their own activities for their target groups.

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