Optical allies target party conferences

The optical profession resumed its parliamentary campaign this week by raising awareness of eye health at the Liberal Democrats party conference in Brighton.

The Eye Health Alliance, comprising the AOP, ABDO, FODO and the College of Optometrists, was part of an interactive health exhibition, which also included other health checks such as cholesterol and allergy testing.

It provided over 200 delegates with photos of their retinas, including Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Steve Webb, courtesy of a retinal camera loaned by Topcon and the help of local optometrists.

'The conference was fantastic,' said an AOP spokesperson. 'The Eye Health Alliance stand attracted a lot of attention and optometrists were on hand to explain the various features of the retina as well as hand out leaflets stressing the importance of regular eye checks.'