Advice on light bulbs left to the profession

It is up to the optical profession to inform elderly and partially sighted patients about the use of low energy bulbs (CFLs), according to a spokesperson for the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

While recognising that some people cannot use lamps that emit fluorescent light on health grounds, James Russill of the EST said that manufacturers such as Philips and Osram should not be obliged to carry advice for elderly and partially sighted users on their product packaging.

Talking to Optician about the RNIB's concerns over the health consequences of CFLs reported in last week's Optician, Russill recommended that anybody who cannot use CFLs should use energy-saving halogen bulbs instead. He also revealed that subsidised dimmable CFLs are available for users who suffer adverse effects from glare.