Join Specsavers Opticas on World Diabetes Day
To support World Diabetes Day on the 14th of November and raise awareness of the issues related to diabetes and blindness, Specsavers Opticas is joining forces with local diabetes associations to offer customers free healthy snacks and information about diabetes and how it affects the eye. They are also offering free eye tests throughout November, which are able to detect the signs of Diabetic Retinopathy. This condition affects vision when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged by the changes in blood sugar levels and can cause permanent sight loss. If these signs are identified during an eye test, patients are referred to a doctor for further tests and treatment.
Specsavers in Fuengirola will be holding a free diabetes screening event in store on 14th November from 10am to 1:30pm, in association with La Cala de Mijas Lions Diabetics Support Group. This is open to all and totally free of charge. During the event, a qualified nurse will be conducting a simple finger prick test to detect the signs of diabetes and an appointment is not necessary. Results will be given immediately and if positive, patients will be referred for medical advice.
This type of screening can detect pre-diabetes and diabetes, a condition with over 170 million sufferers worldwide and side effects including sight loss. Not all diabetes cases cause sight loss, but it is important to have regular screenings and eye tests so that any problems or changes can be monitored. Most complications can be treated; however it is vital that they are detected early, as once vision is lost it cannot be restored.
Specsavers Marbella will also be supporting ADISOL, Asociación de Diabéticos de la Costa del Sol, by joining them in their diabetes testing and information event in Plaza de la Encarnación from 09.30-14.00 on Sunday 16th November. As part of the free blood tests being offered by ADISOL, the Specsavers’ team will be offering people advice and support about how diabetes can affect the eyes and answering questions.
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on the 14th of November and led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy, draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. Specsavers Opticas are committed to ending avoidable blindness and raising awareness of key health issues and so they are proud to support World Diabetes Day 2014.
For more information on eye health visit www.specsavers.es or visit your nearest store on 14th November. To find out about your local diabetes group visit http://www.lacaladiabetics.com/ or http://adisol.org