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The maxim ‘prevention is better than cure’ receives a timely boost this month as National Self Care Week, November 18-24, encourages people to take a proactive approach to health.

This campaign supports the urgent need to get a population that is living longer to make positive lifestyle choices that raise the general level of public health and wellbeing. It is also an opportunity to educate patients on the most appropriate places to seek healthcare advice, such as visiting their optician when they are experiencing eye problems, rather than their GP.

From a primary eye care perspective it is a chance to highlight the importance of regular sight tests as part of a good self-care routine, emphasising the benefits of detecting conditions – such as potential glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration – before any change in vision is noticed by the patient.