Y o u r H e a l t h Eyes are
Precious
Squadron Leader Maxine Fletcher, the Senior Medical Officer at RAF Northolt talks of the importance of eye tests
W
ithout good eyesight it is difficult to take part in most everyday activities,
such as reading, driving and watching television. Poor vision may also indicate the presence of potentially serious eye disease like glaucoma and mucular degeneration, or general health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Having an eye test at least once every two years should be part of everyone’s health care routine. Every year, 12.5 million people who need to, do not have a regular eye test. Many causes of sight loss are preventable if they are caught early; regular eye tests are the best way to do this.If you haven’t had an eye test with the last two years, the medical centre recommends you organize one sooner rather than later.
Service personnel Service personnel are entitled to free eye test and should pick up a F Med 79 beforehand. Medical centres often have local agreements
www.raf-ff.org.uk
with opticians so ask if this is the case. Costs of eye tests may be reclaimed on JPA. Aircrew should have their eye tests performed at an aircrew certified optician and again details are available from the medical centre.
Non-serving family members Family members should also have regular eye tests which usually cost around £20. You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education; aged 60 or over; diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma; aged 40 or over with a first-degree relative with glaucoma or you have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma.
You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you (or your partner) receive income support or income based job seekers allowance; pension credit guarantee credit; are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2). People named on a NHS certificate for
partial help with health costs (HC3) might also get help. You will be asked to show proof of your entitlement to free NHS sight tests. Note, those who use a computer for a significant part of their work also have a legal right to an eye test paid for by their employer.
Should Children have Eye Tests? Eye problems are common in children but may not be noticed by parents. Because of this it is very important that all children have their eyes tested – even if parents are not worried. All babies will have their eyes checked at about 6 weeks of age by the GP or health visitor. The school nurse or orthoptist (a specialist in vision and eye abnormalities) will then normally test them again at the school entry check at 4-5 years. Once a child’s vision has been checked and is shown to be normal, they do not need regular eye checks unless parents notice any problems. If at any time parents have any concerns about their child’s eyes they should ask for advice from their health visitor, GP or school nurse. Older children (usually over the age of 5) can visit the optician.
Summer 2010 29
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