Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, met up with the RNIB at Labour conference in Liverpool last week, to hear how at least 50% of sight loss in the UK is avoidable if detected and treated early enough.

 Visiting the award-winning RNIB exhibition stand – designed to look like an old-fashioned haberdashers – Catherine learned that sight loss currently costs the UK economy more than £6billion per year, and heard how ensuring early treatments are available both saves money and prevents unnecessary sight loss.

Catherine said:

“Sight loss affects two million people in the UK, which means there are likely to be more than 3,000 people living with sight loss in my Newcastle North constituency alone.

“The RNIB stand demonstrated the importance of early treatment of eye problems – in a very eye-catching way! I will certainly be looking out for the availability of treatments locally and urge everyone to make sure they get their eyes tested regularly, in order to prevent problems in later life.”

Steve Winyard (RNIB Head of Policy and Campaigns) said:

“We are pleased that Catherine took the time to come and discuss these issues with us during the busy party conference.

“Regular sight tests are vital as they pick up early signs of eye disease and save sight. In addition, reducing unnecessary sight loss makes financial sense for both national and local government.

“There is strong and growing evidence of capacity issues in eye hospitals leading to delays in treatment of common, but serious, conditions including glaucoma and cataracts. These need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”