Practice checks raise awareness of stroke

An initiative offering free blood pressure checks alongside eye tests at Vision Express has been hailed a success after one in five participants were referred to their GP for further assessment.

It demonstrated the potential of an eye appointment to detect wider health issues and manage visual problems among stroke patients.

The multiple told Optician that 74 patients took up the offer, at Oxford Street East, Islington, Holborn and Westfield White City Vision Express practices, in efforts to mark World Stroke Day last week (October 29).

Staff from the Stroke Association carried out the blood pressure checks and provided advice on the warning signs of stroke.