Vision Express has lit up its Oxford Street store in support of the Stroke Association’s Make May Purple campaign.
More than 380 people have used the Vision Express Know Your Blood Pressure drop-in events over the past year, with almost one in four having been referred to a GP or hospital.
The events aim to highlight the dangers of high blood pressure as a contributing factor in around half of all strokes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson said: ‘We’re so proud to be working with our charity partner the Stroke Association on these Know Your Blood Pressure events. Many people are still unaware of the dangers of high blood pressure and that many stroke survivors can have lasting visual issues that our trained optometrists can help with.’
Up to 60% of stroke survivors will experience visual problems yet one in three are not warned sight loss could be a problem or that treatment and support is available.
Stroke Association head of community and events fundraising Gabi Field said: ‘We’re extremely grateful to everyone at Vision Express for their support. Far too many people wrongly believe a stroke could never happen to them and with their support, we can help spread the word. A simple and painless test could prevent a devastating stroke.’
The Know Your Blood Pressure campaign will continue throughout 2017 as research shows 9.5 million people have been diagnosed in the UK with high blood pressure which over time could lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and eye problems.