NEHW 2024: “A key calendar moment for promoting optics”

The themes of National Eye Health Week 2024 (NEHW) have been announced, as organisers encourage optical professionals to get involved in the awareness campaign.

The awareness week will take place over seven days between 23–29 September.

Each day of the awareness week has a different theme, aiming to encourage the public to take responsibility for their eye health.

The week will see the launch of a report on children’s eye health, the organisers shared, as well as media campaigns, a new podcast, risk calculator and sight loss simulator, and a daily blog.

Organisers also highlighted plans for a screen amnesty for teenagers, an initiative asking seniors if they can ‘see straight’ using an Amsler grid, and the publication of educational resources for early years and children in key stage 1.

The latest edition of Vista, the consumer lifestyle magazine of eye care advice, will also be published.

To support the awareness week, practices can register for a free resource pack while stocks last, or download material from the website.

David Cartwright, chair of Eye Health UK, the charity responsible for NEHW, described the campaign as a “key calendar moment for promoting optics and helping people take better care of their eyes.”

“This year’s campaign feels particularly timely as the new Government commits to reduce waiting times and focus on prevention,” he added.

Cartwright continued: “During the week, we’ll demonstrate how primary eye care professionals can, and do, play an important role in improving public health and helping us all live well for longer.”

Organisers shared plans for specially curated content during the week which it says will help to raise optics in the public health agenda, involving political and public health champions.

Practices and individuals can participate in the campaign on social media by using the hashtags #EyeWeek and #VisionMatters or re-sharing content from the official NEHW channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.