The Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr today joined local politicians to mark World Sight Day by taking part in a special exercise simulating the effects of sight loss.
Mayor Barr wore SimSpecs – glasses replicating various eye conditions, at a number of engagements throughout her day to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the many blind and partially sighted people who live in the Derry and Strabane area.
RNIB estimates there are approximately 4,030 people living with sight loss in the Derry and Strabane District Council, area, and research from RNIB estimates that this figure will rise to 5,040 by 2032.
Given that 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable, the Mayor urged everyone to get an eye test every two years and speak to their optician if people notice any changes in their vision.
The Mayor met with RNIB NI Country Director Robert Shilliday to discuss local initiatives including the recent introduction of a new service providing a live audio description of games played at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Speaking afterwards, Mayor Barr said: “Today has been a real learning experience for me in terms of finding out how everyday activities we all take for granted can become a major challenge without sight.
“It’s given me new insight into some of the key issues faced by the visually impaired here in the city.
“I am really committed to raising awareness of the need to make the changes in our society needed to ensure those impacted by sight loss do not experience unnecessary barriers to living a full life.”
RNIB campaigner in the north-west Rory McCartney, who advocates for blind and visually impaired people in the area, said: “I’m personally delighted that the Mayor, who is well known for her campaigning on various issues, has decided to mark ‘World Sight Day’ in this way.
“It is a reminder about the need to look after your eyes through regular eye tests and taking simple steps to lessen the chances of developing a chronic eye conditions.
“Sight is the sense people say they fear losing the most, yet an eye appointment is the one they’re most likely to miss, cancel or avoid.”
RNIB NI Country Director Robert Shilliday said: “Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of common sight conditions are key to reduce the number of people who will experience sight loss in their lifetime.
“Regular eye tests are crucial in preventing avoidable sight loss.
“They’re essential for everyone, even if you think your eyesight is fine, as many conditions that can be picked up in a routine eye test, begin with no obvious symptoms and often sight conditions can be treated if detected early enough.
“In addition to eye health, an eye test can detect other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, risk of stroke and heart disease.”
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