On World Diabetes Day, all Specsavers Opticas stores 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 is collaborating with the Torrevieja Diabetes Association for a free diabetes screening event opposite Torrevieja Casino on World Diabetes Day, Saturday 14th November from 10am to 2:00pm. This is open to all and totally free of charge. During the event, qualified nurses will be conducting a simple finger prick test to detect the signs of diabetes. Results will be given immediately and if positive, patients will be referred for medical advice. In the afternoon there will be free talks about all aspects of diabetes and throughout the day Specsavers will be on hand to offer advice and support regarding diabetes and vision.
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.
Lisa James store director at Specsavers Torrevieja and Guardamar 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.
Sufferers of diabetes can remain undiagnosed for up to 10 years, meaning it is not unusual for people to be already suffering from complications when it is first diagnosed. In fact an eye test at Specsavers can be the first indicator of the disease that directs the person to a specialist for testing.
Specsavers Opticas is located in Calpe, Javea, Benidorm, Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca. For more information or to book an eye examination at your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es