Optometry is vital to improve public health

Optometrists in Wales have been told they are 'absolutely vital' to improving public health in the country.

Lesley Griffiths, health and social care minister for Wales, stressed the point at the Welsh Assembly during a debate of the Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report.

Smoking, excessive alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity were all identified as risks that have an impact on eye health.

Mike George, the chair of Optometry Wales, said: 'The minister's statement clearly demonstrates a commitment from our devolved administration to recognise the valuable role that optometrists and dispensing opticians play in the community.'

A statement by the College of Optometrists noted that smoking and heavy drinking increased the risk of age-related macular degeneration, whereas a poor diet, combined with physical inactivity, increased the risk of vision loss through obesity and diabetic retinopathy.