Specsavers is launching a campaign in Wales to encourage people to act fast and visit their local optician in Pembroke Dock when faced with sudden eye problems – after a poll from YouGov found that almost three quarters (74%) of adults in Mid and West Wales wouldn’t visit an optician as a first port of call if they woke up with an eye problem.

Many people in Wales face long delays in accessing NHS services, particularly for GP appointments. With the Welsh Government data showing that nearly 4,000 patients in the Hywel Dda University Health Board region waiting over a year for a first outpatient appointment, Specsavers can provide direct care for urgent eye issues, meaning patients can avoid unnecessary visits to A&E or lengthy GP appointment queues.

Michael Bradbury, lead clinical performance consultant for Specsavers in Wales, explained: "By offering immediate eye health services, we can help reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales, especially as demand for these services starts to build as we approach the winter flu season.”

To bring this important message to life, Specsavers has partnered with Côr Meibion Bro Glyndŵr, a male voice choir from Corwen, Denbighshire. The choir is performing a specially written song, encouraging people to take action at the first sign of eye trouble.

The choir’s performance, which has lines such as “Is it itchy? Is it dry? Someone poked you in the eye?”, will be released, supported by an advertising campaign.

Ann Atkinson Sharp, musical director of Côr Meibion Bro Glyndŵr, expressed her pride in the collaboration: "Many of our choir members rely heavily on their sight, both in music and in life, so ensuring good eye health is crucial for all of us.

“We hope this collaboration will encourage people to prioritise their eye health and seek help early - before small issues turn into bigger problems. With Specsavers’ services, they can do so quickly, without putting more pressure on the NHS."

For more information about Specsavers’ eye health services in Wales, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/eye-services-wales