New technology sheds a light on preventable eye conditions
Bupa Optical has welcomed the passing of the first United Nations resolution on preventable sight loss which sets eye health goals for member countries to achieve by 2030, this includes ensuring broad access to quality eye care and affordable assistive technologies. The resolution has passed as Bupa Optical launches its Australia-first1 digital Eye Health Simulator.
The free simulator is able to show users what everyday life would look like if they were living with one of 11 common eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. This helps people of all ages understand what emerging issues can look like before they develop while promoting better eye-health literacy amongst the general public.
With The UN Resolution predicting half the global population will be living with a vision impairment by 2050, Guneet Sawhney, Director Bupa Optical & Hearing said technology has a major role to play in improving global eye health with poor vision currently costing the global economy $411 billion[2].
“Developing tools that appeal to tech-savvy Australians are vital for engaging people in their eye-health beyond getting new prescriptions for glasses.
“Our Eye Health Simulator is a great conversation starter and can act as a first step towards identifying serious conditions such as diabetes by helping users or carers understand how symptoms can present in eyesight,” Guneet said.
Bupa Optical has also recently invested in holistic preventative health technology such as EyeInspect which uses Artificial Intelligence to conduct a high-tech retinal screening compared against a database of hundreds of thousands of retinal scans to identify eye and non-eye health problems. Bupa Optical’s optometrists will discuss any issues detected with the customer before referring them to a trusted medical professional.
“It’s our duty to raise awareness on the importance of eye health for our customers and communities, so we have done a lot of work in creating a more integrated healthcare experience for customers recognising that the eye is a window into the heart and a customer’s general health.
“Connecting the dots between health practitioners is key to delivering optimal health outcomes and ensuring people can live long, healthy and happy lives,” Guneet said.
In accordance with the UN resolution, Bupa welcomes opportunities to work with the government and medical community to ensure eye health is better integrated into the planning, resourcing and delivery of universal healthcare.
To find out more about eye health and the Bupa Optical products and services available near you visit here.
[1] First Australian Optical business or body to provide a free online simulation of 11 eye conditions.
[2] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(20)30488-5/fulltext
Media reference number: 20/132
