Sheffield optometrist uses social media to spread the word about myopia
As a study is released about the increased prevalence of myopia (short-sightedness) in children, a Sheffield optometrist is using the power of social media to make people aware of the condition.
Researchers at the Ulster University who conducted the NICER (Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction) Study have revealed that myopia prevalence in children in the UK has more than doubled in the last 50 years.
The study found that nearly one in five teenagers in the UK are now short-sighted, and that children with one parent with myopia are at least three times more likely to be myopic than those without a myopic parent. This increases to over seven times more likely when both parents are myopes. It has also shown that myopia is most likely to occur between the ages of six and 13 years.
Optometrist Alex Gage owns two practices in Sheffield and said: "The most startling statistics in the study are the increased prevalence and the link between myopic parents and their children's eyesight. We would advise parents with myopia to ensure that their children have regular eye exams from an early age as research does suggest that early intervention can help to slow down further increases in myopia.
"We are using our facebook and twitter networks to try and spread the message about myopia and the importance of regular eye tests for children with our ‘Six Little Known Facts about Childhood Myopia' posts. Eye tests are free and children do not need to be able to read to take the test, so please book an appointment with your local optometrist."
Alex Gage also used the power of social media when he used it to reunite a pair of spectacles with their owner who lost them on holiday in New Zealand last year.
For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Alex Gage at 857 Chesterfield Road, Woodseats on 0114274 8582 or at 48 Sandygate Road Crosspool on0114 266 7066.
Ends
For more information or to arrange an interview with Alex or wife and fellow optometrist Sarah Gage, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;
Direct line: 01430 871360
Mobile: 07971 961574
E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk
Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Please visitwww.alexgagevision.co.ukfor more information about the extensive services and products that Alex and Sarah Gage provide
For more information about the NICER study, please visithttp://biomed.science.ulster.ac.uk/vision/-NICER-Northern-Ireland-Childhood-.html
Alex Gage is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Sheffield and visits local schools to talk about eye health
Alex Gage holds a diploma in sports vision. For more information on his sports vision practice, please visithttp://alexgageoptom.wordpress.com/2012-sports-vision/