National Eye Health Week 2025: What independent opticians can do
National Eye Health Week (23–29 September 2025) is a great opportunity for independent opticians to showcase their value to the local community. With around 50% of sight loss being avoidable, raising awareness about routine eye care can have a big impact – and your practice is in the perfect position to lead the conversation.
This year, Vision Matters is again offering free resources through its Electronic Resource Centre. Posters, social media assets, leaflets, event templates, and campaign guides are all available to help you plan and promote your involvement with minimal effort. It’s a smart way to raise your profile and help your community at the same time.
Here’s how to make the most of it.
Start with the Vision Matters resource hub
Register to access materials at visionmatters.org.uk. You’ll find everything from ready-to-use graphics and posters to planning tools and press release templates. These resources are free and designed specifically for practices like yours.
Pick a few focus areas
The campaign often revolves around daily themes such as NHS services, digital eye strain, children’s vision, and eye health over 60. You don’t need to do something every day – just choose the ones that make sense for your team and patient base.
Some practical ideas:
Offer discounts or incentives during the week
Create a small display area in your practice using posters and demo tools like sim-specs
Set up a kids’ colouring or drawing competition themed around “why vision matters”
Display testimonials or quotes from patients about how a sight test changed their life
Get the message out online and in person
Use social media consistently during the week – short, friendly posts with quick facts, test booking reminders, and behind-the-scenes photos work best. The official campaign hashtags are #VisionMatters and #NEHW2025. You can also email your patient list or share posters in GP surgeries, pharmacies, and schools.
If you have time, local media love community health stories. Use the press release template from Vision Matters or send a short pitch to your local newspaper about what your practice is doing.
Connect with schools and community groups
Vision screening or short talks in local schools, sports clubs, and senior centres can raise awareness beyond your usual patient list. You might also set up a small pop-up stand in a busy local spot – libraries, markets, or gyms – to hand out leaflets or offer quick vision checks.
Keep it simple and actionable
Avoid overwhelming people with too much information. Focus on one or two clear messages:
Everyone should get their eyes tested every two years – even if they think their vision is fine
Many serious eye conditions have no early symptoms
NHS eye tests are free for many people – including children, over-60s, and those on low incomes
After the week is over
Share photos and thank your patients online. If you ran a competition, announce the winners and hand out prizes in-store. Follow up with any new contacts, and consider what worked best so you can use it again next year – or in future campaigns.
Participating in NEHW isn’t just good for awareness – it also builds trust, encourages footfall, and reminds your community that you’re here to support their health.
