1 Feb 2018
This World Cancer Day, Specsavers is calling for employers to review their eyecare policy and save lives
World
Cancer Day takes place on the 4 February 2018, uniting the world in the fight
against cancer. The aim of the day is to raise awareness and education about
the disease, pressing governments and individuals to take action. With routine eyecare
being able to help with the early detection of various cancers, Specsavers
Corporate Eyecare believes the employer too has an important role to play.
Routine
eye tests can detect signs of many conditions, including some cancers, diabetes
and heart disease. Many diseases can often begin without obvious symptoms, yet
they may be detected by a simple and non-invasive eye test. The early detection
of a cancer or other serious illness could be, quite literally, life-saving.
Dr
Nigel Best, clinical expert at Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, explains: ‘Ocular
melanoma, a cancer that can develop in the pigmentation cells in the eye, can
be detected through an eye examination, as can some skin cancers. Changes in
the retina may indicate leukaemia, and changes to the field of vision can
signal the possibility of a brain tumour. A change in the structure of the eye
may be an indicator of an underlying problem, and the optometrist would refer
the patient to a specialist.’
The
vast majority of employees are entitled to eyecare provided by the company.
This includes all ‘screen users’ and those who drive in the course of their
work. On World Cancer Day, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare is calling for
employers to review their eyecare policy and, where possible, to include all
employees in a blanket scheme which are available at low cost.
Currently,
8.8 million people die from cancer each year and 4 million people die
prematurely, between the ages of 30 and 69, so any screening that’s offered in
the workplace can be a great support in the fight against cancer.
‘World
Cancer Day is all about taking action,’ said Jim Lythgow, director of strategic
alliances at Specsavers Corporate Eyecare. ‘Employers are in a good position to
implement a policy that could have a very real effect on the quality of
people’s lives. We want to do our bit too and we are here to provide guidance
and support to any employer interested in instigating or enhancing eyecare
provision.’
For more
information on World Cancer Day, visit www.worldcancerday.org. For
more information on eyecare in the workplace, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate.
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
Website
T: 0115 933 0800
Cirrus House
10 Experian Way
NG2 1EP
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
United Kingdom
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