BME groups issued with eye exam reminder in Wales

The Welsh government has called on people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds to use its free service to check the health of their eyes after a report showed one in 10 people from a BME background over the age of 65 will experience serious sight loss.

BME groups were at greater risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy than other ethnic groups, said a statement.

Its evidence suggested BME communities in the UK were less likely to attend primary eye care appointments despite the increased risk of sight loss.

The Welsh government-funded This Eye Care Health Examination service provides a free-at-the-point-of-access eye health examination for people from BME backgrounds – but it is being under used.