How is your eye health? As the year draws to a close, we look back at some of the standout stories from our community, and offer some tips to enhance your eye care.
Optomeyes provides life-changing new glasses for Sara
Sara Pollard-Dambach has been an Optomeyes customer since 2020. When Sara started experiencing blurred vision in her left eye, she booked an eye check. Afterwards, owner Sue Wassall insisted she went to the GP. An MRI scan of her brain later confirmed that Sara had a pineal cyst with tumour markers. Read more here.
Deluxe membership from £16 PCM – super affordable way to spread eyecare costs
This year we celebrated the tenth anniversary of our partnership with Iris Visioncare, who support our Deluxe Membership Plan. We celebrated by giving away two luxury food and drink hampers, to two lucky winners from both our Lee and Wickham branches. One simple, low-cost monthly fee for eye care; what is not to like? That includes 25% off eyewear, enhanced eye tests, free OCT scans, contact lens aftercare and insurance all included. Explore here. PS Don’t forget to book your space at our VIP Open Day at Lee-on-the-Solent on 9 December AND get a luxury goodie bag on purchasing frames.
What hidden illnesses are causing eye problems?
Tens of thousands of people in the UK are facing vision deterioration and even blindness without knowing it. Over 70,000 Britons are currently living with pulmonary fibrosis, which reduced the amount of oxygen in the blood. This can impact the retina and optic nerve, which can, over time, cause changes to vision – and without treatment, blindness. Read more or book an eye test here.
Love your eyes
Why not give the gift of self-care to yourself this Christmas? Our earlier blog on loving your eyes talked about how to eat well, stay hydrated and the golden rule for screen time to help your eyes.
Computational modelling can help detect vision loss earlier
New computer modelling could help scientists better understand how the retina regenerates and assist with treatments for vision loss, according to researchers at the University of Surrey.
Independents do it better
If you want eye care that meets the gold standard, go to an independent. Research by the General Optical Council revealed 48% of big firm optometrists feel under pressure to rush sight tests and reduce patient care. 33% also said they felt under commercial pressure to sell certain frames or contact lenses that would make more money for the business.
Optomeyes-Eyecare owner Sue Wassall said the research had reinforced her belief in the importance of being an independent. It also reminded her how important her long-standing philosophy to do whatever is best for the patient really is. Book an appointment with Sue.
Don’t rely on school vision tests
If your children or grandchildren are school aged, don’t solely rely on school vision tests and their results. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney of the College of Optometrists said in a recent story, that school vision screening is a good safety net for children’s vision, but it is not as useful as an eye test at a local optician.
The big 2025 take homes for eye health
Stop smoking
The UK’s leading cause of sight loss is macular degeneration. Did you know smoking can double your risk of catching it? The link is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer.
Eat healthily and watch your weight
Try to follow a diet that’s low in saturated fats and includes plenty of leafy greens like spinach and broccoli. These foods support your overall health and can help keep your eyes in good shape, lowering the risk of eye conditions linked to obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Keep your eyes covered in the sun
UV rays can harm your eyes in several ways, especially with long-term or intense exposure. The sun sits lower in the sky in winter which means rays come at your eyes from different angles, making glare and UV exposure more direct — especially during morning and afternoon.
Safety first
DIY causes thousands of eye related injuries each year. Always wear the correct safety glasses for the job you are doing. Sport (especially racquet-based sports) also causes lots of eye related injuries each year. Investing in a good pair of protective sports goggles will help prevent serious damage.
Book an appointment and we can give you a full eye test and advise you on how to care for your eyes in 2026.