World Diabetes Day set to put vision loss into focus
On World Diabetes Day, 14th November all Specsavers Opticas stores in Spain will be offering free eye tests to raise awareness of the importance of regular examinations in detecting non-eye related conditions such as diabetes and providing information about the link between diabetes and the eyes.
To further support the cause, Specsavers Opticas Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca is collaborating with the Torrevieja Diabetes Association to help with their free diabetes screening event opposite Torrevieja Casino on World Diabetes Day itself from 10am to 2:00pm.
Specsavers Opticas in Mallorca is also joining forces with the Calvia Lions Club to hold a diabetes testing event on Saturday 21st November from 10am to 1:00pm in front of their store in Santa Ponça. Both events are open to all and totally free of charge and during the events, qualified nurses will be conducting a simple finger prick test to detect the signs of diabetes.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 9% of the world’s adult population has diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness, and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. If early symptoms of diabetes are left undetected or not managed effectively, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. One percent of global blindness can be attributed to diabetes. However, if diabetic retinopathy is detected early and treated, blindness can be prevented in 90% of cases.
Amrik Sappal store director at Specsavers in Fuengirola says: “Eye exams do more than just test your vision. By examining the back of your eyes an optometrist can detect eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. They will sometimes spot signs of other conditions, such as diabetes, and refer you to a specialist.”
In addition to free eye tests, Specsavers Opticas stores work with their local diabetes associations to help provide free diabetes screening and information, so look out for your nearest screening events for World Diabetes Day.
Specsavers Opticas currently has eight stores in Spain; Marbella and Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, Santa Ponça Mallorca, Calpe, Javea, Benidorm, Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca. For more information or to book an eye examination at your nearest Specsavers visit www.specsavers.es