Specsavers Chesterfield is raising awareness of the importance of having regular eye tests following Diabetes Day on November 14.

Those suffering with diabetes are up to 20 times more likely to lose their sight than those without the condition. However, only one in five adults are aware that their optician can detect the signs through a regular eye test.

Dr Nigel Best, Clinical Spokesperson at Specsavers, said: “An estimated 1 million people in the UK are living with diabetes without even realising it – meaning they’re at huge risk of developing serious eye health complications and even sight loss.”

“Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health conditions today – fuelled by record levels of obesity, excessive sugar consumption and sedentary lifestyles. If we continue to turn a blind eye to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as a result, we can only expect to see the number of undiagnosed cases escalate.”

A complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy which can occur when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye. If left untreated it can cause blindness.

Dr Best adds: “At Specsavers, we offer digital retinal photography free of charge as part of a standard eye test for customers aged over 40. This takes a detailed picture of the back of your eye allowing the blood vessels to be monitored more closely – helping to detect any signs of diabetes that might be present.”

Allissa Charlesworth (below), Optometrist Director at Specsavers Chesterfield, said: “A trip to the optician can do so much more than check your vision. Less than half the time taken during an eye appointment involves testing sight – most of the time we are assessing the health of the eye itself, and signs of your wider health too.”

Allissa concludes: “We encourage everyone to get their eyes checked every two years. As well as a check of your vision, a routine sight test might just reveal a more serious sight-threatening or wider health condition.”

To find out more or book your next appointment head to the Specsavers store on Chesterfield’s Burlington Street or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/chesterfield, where you can currently avail of a free eye test, valid until 31st December 2019 (terms and conditions apply).