Trust resources increase in 2008

Incoming resources during 2008 for the Eyecare Trust rose by 21 per cent despite the uncertainty in the optical sector, the charity's annual review document has revealed.

The increase in revenue came largely from sponsorship while patronage and membership income for the same period remained largely unchanged (+1.5 per cent).

Incoming resources totalled £142,638 for 2008, with 60 per cent of funds spent on campaign costs to communicate the eye health message to the public.

Consumer information campaigns over the past year generated more than 250 million opportunities for the public to see positive eye care messages, according the Trust.

Promotional activity included a news release to the national media on the over 60s and their entitlement to free NHS sight tests and the importance of early diagnosis in the effective treatment of age-related eye conditions which generated more than 170 pieces of coverage. The Trust also supported the profession by providing practitioners with a range of marketing materials.