As the UK welcomes National Glaucoma Awareness Week (4-10 June), Horwich residents at risk of the sight-stealing condition are benefiting from a new ‘Vision Express at Tesco’ store, which has officially opened its doors with a celebration led by local MP, Chris Green.
Research indicates a worrying outlook for eye health in Bolton as almost 9,000 residents are living with suspected glaucoma, the silent thief of sight.
One of the biggest causes of preventable sight loss worldwide, glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions in which the main nerve to the eye (the optic nerve) is damaged where it leaves the eye. This nerve carries information about what is being seen from the eye to the brain and, as it becomes damaged, vision is lost.
An estimated 600,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, yet research indicates half of those are undiagnosed.
As MP for Bolton West, Chris was invited as guest of honour to the opening of the new ‘Vision Express at Tesco’ store on Mansell Way, to help cut the ribbon on the premises and join the optical team in encouraging members of the public to prioritise their eye health.
''Eye health is a growing issue and I would encourage everyone to have regular eye tests and take their vision seriously,” said Chris. “I am delighted to support this event and raise awareness amongst my constituents, especially those who drive, with research revealing there are almost 3,000 road casualties a year caused by poor driver sight.”
Louise Bren, ‘Vision Express at Tesco’ Horwich optical assistant said: “It was great to have Chris join the team to officially open our new store.”
“We had a fantastic day celebrating the opening and it’s great that Vision Express is now in such a convenient location for local residents to drop in. Our store offers something for everyone, at all budgets and we’re looking forward to delivering a personal and thorough vision care service, to both new and existing customers.”
The Horwich store is one of more than 200 outlets launching across the UK in 2018, following Vision Express’ acquisition of Tesco Opticians at the end of last year.
Each store showcases a purple-infused rebrand across the entire Vision Express network. The re-brand introduces a refreshed logo and striking purple and green colour decor, featuring bright sofas and wooden flooring, delivering a modern, inviting and vibrant environment to encourage customers to feel at ease.
Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson added: “This is a hugely exciting time for the Vision Express family, and we’re delighted to welcome new team members to the company and provide a seamless eye health service to former Tesco optical customers.
“Crucially, we’re pleased to now be able to offer our vision expertise in convenient locations to residents. With almost 9,000 residents in the area living with suspected glaucoma, safeguarding our sight through regular eye exams with a trusted optician has never been more important.”