Consultant eye surgeons from Hereford County Hospital have been cycling around the county to raise awareness of the importance of eye health and services available locally.

Last year, around 2500 eye day case operations, and more than 30000 outpatient consultations, were provided by this specialist team at Victoria Eye Unit, and at eye clinics in the community hospitals in Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Bromyard, Ledbury, Monmouth, Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, and Ludlow.

To mark National Eye Health Week, which takes place between September 21st and 27th, five eye surgeons at Hereford County Hospital’s Victoria Eye Unit have been cycling across Herefordshire to the eye clinics, run by the Trust, to promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests.

Consultant eye surgeon, Mr Alaric Smith cycled from the eye clinic in Llandrindod Wells to Hereford. Mr George Morphis cycled from Bromyard Community Hospital to Hereford. Mr Simon Madge completed the trip from Ludlow Hospital to Victoria Eye Unit. Mr John Deutsch cycled from Ledbury to Hereford to meet up with Mr Stephen Scotcher, who had cycled from Monmouth, calling in at Ross Community Hospital on the way.

Mr Stephen Scotcher, clinical director of Victoria Eye Unit at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: "We’re all keen cyclists and thought this would be an enjoyable way to make people aware, as we approach National Eye Health Week, of the importance of eye health, regular sight checks, and the work that we do, not just in Hereford itself but around the region.

“Many people think that a sight test is just about checking whether your vision needs correcting with glasses or contact lenses. But there are other important reasons to have a regular sight test.

“A sight test is a vital check on the health of the eyes and includes the detection of eye conditions. Many of these, if found early, can be treated successfully, avoiding potential sight loss."

To find out more about National Eye Health Week and the important of eye sight tests visitwww.visionmatters.org.uk/sight-tests

If you would like more information about the work of Victoria Eye Unit or Victoria Eye Charitable Fund, please contact Mr Scotcher on 01432 364460 or email [email protected]