As the UK welcomed National Glaucoma Awareness Week (4-10 June), Winchester 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, Steve Brine.
Research indicates almost 4000 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 research2 indicates half of those are undiagnosed.
As MP for Winchester, Steve was invited as guest of honour to the opening of the new 'Vision Express at Tesco' store on Easton Lane, to help cut the ribbon on the premises and join the optical team in encouraging members of the public to prioritise their eye health.
He said: "Eye health is a growing issue for Winchester and I would encourage everyone to have regular eye tests and take their vision seriously.
"I'm proud to support this event and raise awareness of eye health amongst my constituents, especially those who drive, with research revealing there are almost 3,000 road casualties a year caused by poor driver sight."
The Winchester optical store is one of more than 200 'Vision Express at Tesco' outlets launching across the UK in 2018 and showcases a purple-infused rebrand being introduced across the entire Vision Express chain. A further store has also opened nearby in Basingstoke, in District Shopping Centre, Chineham.
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' acquired Tesco Opticians at the end of 2017. In preparation for the expected increase in demand for frames prompted by the acquisition, a £1.5 million investment has been made at Vision Express' Nottingham-based Technical Centre.
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 just under 4,000 people in the city with suspected glaucoma, safeguarding our sight through regular eye exams with a trusted optician has never been more important."
Pictured; Steve Brine MP with 'Vision Express at Tesco' Winchester store manager Rebecca Buckle.
