Understanding Menopause & Eye Health. Here to support you
Navigating menopause can feel overwhelming, especially when it impacts your health in unexpected ways. For many women, eye health is an area that doesn't get the attention it deserves. Recent research shows that over a quarter (28%) of women over 45 feel that healthcare providers don’t fully understand menopause symptoms, and when it comes to eye health, the conversation is even less frequent.
That’s why this National Eye Health Week, we’re making changes. We’re proud to be the first high street optician in the UK to train all our clinical staff as menopause eye health advisors. Our goal? To provide women with the understanding and support they need during this important life stage.
The overlooked connection between menopause & eyesight
Many women experiencing menopause are hesitant to seek help, with 41% avoiding visiting a doctor despite needing support. For some, this is because they fear their symptoms will be dismissed or misunderstood. But menopause doesn’t just affect your energy levels or mood, it can also lead to blurred vision, dry eyes, and other changes in eye health that often go unrecognised.
In fact, our research revealed that over a third of women over 45 are unaware that these changes could be related to menopause. For the 26% of women who reported feeling scared about changes in their eyesight during menopause, this lack of information can be deeply unsettling.
At Vision Express, we understand that these fears are valid. That’s why we’re here to help you learn more about how menopause can affect your vision and how you can manage these changes with confidence.
Upskilling our team to support you
Starting in November 2024, we’re rolling out a special training program for Eyecare Professionals in 30 of our stores, with plans to extend it to all 500+ Vision Express locations in 2025. This will make our clinical team the first in the UK to specialize in the impact menopause has on women’s eye health.
Our goal is simple: to create a space where you feel comfortable talking about your symptoms, asking questions, and getting the care you need.
As our Clinical Services Director, Dan McGhee, explains: “We want women to feel encouraged to book an eye test if they notice changes to their vision during menopause and feel confident to speak to the optician about their symptoms.”
Partnering with Lisa Snowdon to break the silence
We’re thrilled to be working with Lisa Snowdon, who is passionate about raising awareness of the menopause journey. Lisa knows firsthand how isolating this time can be and wants to help women feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences, especially when it comes to their health.
“Women often avoid talking about menopause with healthcare providers, friends, and even family because they’re afraid of how people will react. I’m so pleased to be partnering with Vision Express to help break the stigma and encourage women to speak up,” says Lisa.
Your eye health matters
At Vision Express, we’re committed to helping you maintain good eye health during every stage of life. Earlier this year, we introduced our Advanced Eye Test, which includes a 3D OCT scan, dry eye assessment, and UV protection assessment. This test is especially valuable during menopause when changes in vision can occur.
If you’ve noticed a shift in your eyesight recently, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us. Menopause may bring challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone especially when it comes to your eye health. Let us help you see the world with confidence!
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