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Shadow Health Minister Andrew RT Davies argues for better screening

SOUND eyesight is a quality which, perhaps more than any other, we take for granted.

Psychologists suggest that between 70-90% of our sensory intake about our surroundings comes from the eyes. All too often we fail to recognise the importance of having healthy eyes until it is too late.

According to a regional director of Specsavers, someone could lose as much as 40% of their sight before realising there is a problem.

The Royal National Institute for the Blind Cymru estimates the number of people with sight problems will double over the next 25 years.

This only serves to emphasise the need for everyone – and parents and politicians in particular – to recognise the importance of maintaining good eye health.

One mantra, which I believe strongly characterises the Welsh Conservatives’ approach to health and social services policy is “prevention is better than cure”. This is especially true when it comes to eye care because diseases like glaucoma cause irreversible sight loss, yet many can be so easily prevented by effective screening, rapid diagnosis and urgent treatment.

Glaucoma has few symptoms, so can be difficult to detect. It usually results in a gradual restriction in the field of vision which, if left untreated, can become lead to blindness. Around 10% of registered blind people in the UK have lost their sight due to glaucoma.

The over-60s are most at risk of developing the disease but it can also affect children and younger people. Some 95% of patients who have early detection and therefore prompt treatment maintain good eyesight for the rest of their lives.

Because it is difficult for patients themselves to detect the disease, regular screening is important. I am delighted that two pilot glaucoma trials are currently taking place in Llandeilo and another in my own electoral region, in Barry.

The pilot has seen optometrists based at GP practices to test patients for glaucoma.

The pilots are due to continue until February 2010, but a new source of funding will be required from the Minister if the scheme is to be rolled out across Wales. Diagnosing glaucoma in GP surgeries could take a significant burden from hospital outpatient appointments, saving staff and patient time.

Eye screening is especially important for children, particularly those under the age of eight, as this is when almost all the body’s visual development takes place.

It is concerning therefore that many councils across Wales do not have screening in schools and that parents’ awareness of free eye examinations is so low.

In 2007, only 22% of under-16s had an eye examination, while 2005 research showed that only 7% of parents of children under five take their child for eye tests.

RNIB Cymru estimates that one in 10 children suffers from undiagnosed sight difficulties, which prevent them from being able to read the board in school.

This undoubtedly has a negative impact on their educational attainment and capacity to study.

Research published in the Optometry Today journal showed that ex-convicts have a disproportional amount of eyesight problems compared to the general population.

They were almost three times more likely to have eyesight problems, such as astigmatism, a condition resulting in squinting.

Failure to have regular eye tests not only damages the learning capabilities of young people in Wales, but could also lead to them becoming a burden for society.

The Health Minister admitted in June 2009 that eye screening services in Wales are “patchy”.

While I am pleased the Assembly Government has recognised a shortcoming, it needs to be urgently addressed to ensure better eyesight for all.