Find out more about driving with glaucoma

COLCHESTER, U.K. - Sept. 17, 2014 - PRLog -- The subject will be top of the agenda at the next meeting of the Rochdale Glaucoma Support Group which was established earlier this year by the Rochdale NHS Ophthalmology Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service (http://www.rochdaleophthalmologycats.nhs.uk/) (CATS), run on behalf of the local NHS by independent sector health and social care provider Care UK.

Ken Brearton, service manager at Rochdale NHS Ophthalmology CATS, said: “Many people with glaucoma are not aware when they need to contact the DVLA about their condition. We will have an expert on the subject who will offer advice and answer any questions.

“It is very important people know the regulations as you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may also be prosecuted if you are involved in an accident as a result. We will also have a guest speaker from the International Glaucoma Association.

“The support group is proving very popular. It gives people with the same condition an opportunity to share experiences over a cup of tea and learn more about their condition.”

The meeting takes place 1-3pm on Monday 22 September at the Croft Shifa Health Centre in Belfield Road, Rochdale. Anyone unable to make the meeting but who would like to know more about the group can contact Emma Mawson on 07918 673 999.

Between 1-4pm on Tuesday 23 September representatives from Rochdale NHS Ophthalmology CATS will be attending a health fair at the health offices at 1 Riverside, Rochdale, offering advice and information on eye health.

Rochdale NHS Ophthalmology CATS offers a number of treatments to NHS patients across the region, including a glaucoma service, pre-operative assessments and a minor operation service for numerous eye conditions including cataract surgery, oculo plastic surgery and a laser service.In the past 12 months, the service has carried out 1,444 cataract operations and seen 2,467 glaucoma patients.

Ken added: “We provide clinical assessment and treatment services giving people fast, convenient access to treatment for ophthalmological conditions and complaints. It is very important that people have regular eye tests so that any sight changes can be picked up early and addressed.”