An initiative to raise awareness of strokes by providing free blood pressure checks to over 400 members of the public in Vision Express stores has earned industry recognition at the 2016 PRCA Dare Awards.
Vision Express was named winner in the charity/not-for-profit category at the Birmingham PR award ceremony on July 6.
Launched on World Stroke Day in October 2015, its partnership with the Stroke Association delivered 30 blood pressure clinics at Vision Express stores in the UK.
One in 3 of those tested were referred to their GP for further investigation after showing concerning readings. Vision Express has committed to delivering 70 blood pressure clinics in its stores in the next year.
Jenny Wye, Vision Express senior PR manager, said: ‘It’s fantastic to have our partnership with the Stroke Association acknowledged by the industry. It’s such an important and worthwhile collaboration, delivering a real difference to those people who have taken part in the blood pressure clinics, and particularly those who have been advised to see their GP as a precaution.
‘There’s a natural synergy between Vision Express, as an eye care provider, and the Stroke Association, to educate people about stroke. Up to 60 per cent of stroke survivors will experience visual problems, yet one in three are unaware that sight loss could be a problem or that treatment and support is available. With this campaign we hope to continue to address that, and winning an award for our efforts is a wonderful way to help drive the message further.’
The award was collected by the Vision Express PR team alongside the director of Nottingham-based PR agency The Tonic Communications.
