- Shocking findings revealed as Optical Express pledges another £1 million worth of laser eye surgery to carers as well as NHS and Emergency Service Workers
- A nationwide study has revealed 34% of carers struggle to find time to look after their health
- 50% of those who provide emergency medical care are experiencing moderate to high levels of burnout
NHS staff, Emergency Service Workers and carers are to receive another £1m of free laser eye surgery as Optical Express relaunches its ‘Thanks A Million’ campaign.
The UK’s leading eye care experts first launched the extremely successful and well-received campaign in 2017 and has improved the lives of thousands of NHS and Emergency Service Workers over the years.
The campaign aims to reward the selflessness of these key members of society, giving them a chance to focus on their own health and wellbeing as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication to looking after the nation’s communities.
More than a third of carers in Britain are unable to find the time to look after their own health, a nationwide study has found, prompting a huge £1m giveaway of free treatment.
A staggering 34% of carers struggle to find the time to look after their own health due to the demands and responsibilities of the role.
The research, commissioned by Optical Express, the UK and Europe’s leading provider of laser eye, lens replacement and private cataract surgery, discovered more than half of carers admitted to skipping health examinations, including eye tests.
David Moulsdale, Chairman and CEO of Optical Express, said: “We are beyond delighted to relaunch our Thanks a Million campaign, rewarding carers, NHS and Emergency Service Workers across the UK with another £1 million worth of laser eye surgery.
“It is incredible to see the tireless work these people carry out every single day, often putting their own health at risk while caring for others. Our campaign aims to give back in a meaningful way and demonstrate just how thankful we are for the work they do.”
Over the last 35 years Optical Express have supported hundreds of philanthropic endeavours, donating over £30 million to worthwhile causes in the UK and internationally.
Signalling a crisis in the care sector, a third of respondents to the research (33%) said they experience eye strain or visual discomfort and a staggering six in 10 (59%) believe poor eyesight would force them to quit their job as a carer.
A third (31%) admitted they don’t have enough time to attend appointments and one in five (18%) said long working hours force them to miss important check-ups.
Mark Wetherell, a Professor of Psychobiology at Northumbria University, has studied the physical and psychological experiences of carers and Emergency Service Workers for more than 20 years.
A recent study revealed 50% of those who provide emergency medical care are experiencing moderate to high levels of burnout.
Professor Wetherell said: “Carers and Emergency Service workers typically put those they provide care for first and this can lead to them neglecting their own health and wellbeing.
“This could be because they can’t find the time outside of their caring responsibilities or they don’t have the emotional energy to engage in important aspects of their own life.
“These could be hobbies or other activities that are important in maintaining our sense of self and mental health, or medical appointments and check-ups that are vital in maintaining our physical health.
“It is so important to protect the health and wellbeing of our carers, NHS and Emergency Services so that they can continue to provide care for others. Initiatives that make it easier for these workers to look after themselves will therefore benefit them directly as well as those they provide care for.”
David Moulsdale added: “Our study has revealed carers and Emergency Service Workers are neglecting their own health or are under physical strain because of their roles, often missing check-ups and suffering symptoms without having the time or resources to do anything about it.
“Through our Thanks a Million campaign we can make a real difference to people’s lives and help give a little back to the people who are helping our community day in and day out.”
To apply for the free laser eye surgery campaign, carers, NHS and Emergency Service Workers apply online here www1.opticalexpress.co.uk/thanks-a-million For further information, please visit the Optical Express website here: www.opticalexpress.co.uk
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