Optician has received positive reader feedback regarding two BBC TV programmes aired in the past fortnight highlighting the importance of regular eye exams and general eye health.
Dr Alice Roberts - Don't Die Young, broadcast on Tuesday February 6 (BBC2 8-8.30pm), took a look at how a computer and TV-dependent lifestyle can impact upon vision, whether sunglasses available on the high street provide enough UV protection, the pros and cons of laser eye surgery and a first-hand account of living with vision impairment.
Dr Roberts, a senior teaching fellow in anatomy at Bristol University, advised viewers to get their eyes tested regularly, protect their eyes from strong sunlight to reduce risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, wear goggles to protect from abrasions, eat a healthy diet and avoid eyestrain when working at a computer.
Another BBC series episode, The Truth about Food - How to Stay Young and Beautiful on February 8 (BBC 2, 9-10pm), showed how an intensive diet of spinach could help strengthen the pigment lutein to protect the retina and therefore help prevent macular degeneration.
Chris Abdul, practice manager at David Clulow opticians in Victoria, London said: 'I absolutely think TV shows on eye health are a positive thing. Making people aware of the importance of eye tests is good for us and I also think it would be worthwhile making more employees aware that many workplaces will pay for their examination.'
Margaret Privett, store manager at Boots Opticians in Sutton, Surrey, expressed more caution. 'As long as the information delivered is accurate it tends to do good. But some programmes can sensationalise and make people panic.'
Practice manager Chris Greatorex for Brooks & Wardman Optometrists in Nottingham commented that such programmes 'are definitely worthwhile in building awareness of good eye health'.