The number of people living with sight loss in the UK could rise by more than a quarter in little more than decade, a charity has warned.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said its projections show that an estimated 2.8 million people will be living with sight loss by 2035, an increase of 27 per cent.

Within the figures, the proportion of people in the UK with severe sight loss or being registered blind is expected to rise by 29%, from 298,000 in 2022 to 379,000 in 2035.

One of the main drivers of the jump is people living for longer, though the RNIB said waiting times for diagnosis and treatment and an increase in the number of people living with diabetes are also factors.

It further predicted that, by 2050, the number of people with sight loss in the UK will double to more than four million.

The charity now wants the Government to develop a national eye care plan but has said people can look after their health by going for an eye test every two years.

Matt Stringer, chief executive of the RNIB, said: ‘Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of common sight conditions are key to reduce the number of people who will experience sight loss in their lifetime.

‘Regular eye tests are crucial in preventing avoidable sight loss. They’re essential for everyone, even if you think your eyesight is fine, as many conditions that can be picked up in a routine eye test begin with no obvious symptoms and often sight conditions can be treated if detected early enough.

‘In addition to eye health, an eye test can detect other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, risk of stroke and heart disease.

‘As well as calling on the UK public to get their eyes tested regularly every two years, RNIB is calling on the UK Government to develop and implement a national eye care plan to fix delays in eye care and stop avoidable sight loss.’

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina).

It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.

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Senator Ahmad Lawan, the President of the 9th Senate, has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Yobe State Specialist Hospital in Gashua.

This facility is notable as the second of its kind in Nigeria, following the establishment of the first in Ekiti State.

During the commissioning event, Senator Lawan, who represents the Yobe North Senatorial District, also presented a new ambulance to the hospital to enhance its emergency response capabilities.

He emphasized that the ICU was built to significantly improve healthcare services and address critical health challenges faced by the community.

The new ICU is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, including advanced ventilation systems and patient monitoring equipment, ensuring that critically ill patients receive top-tier care.

Senator Lawan highlighted that the unit will be crucial for treating individuals affected by serious conditions, such as severe infections, respiratory distress, and trauma from accidents.

He also praised Yobe State Governor Mai Buni for his commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure across the state, acknowledging the governor’s efforts in providing essential medical facilities.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Monday, September 30, raided some supermarkets and open shops in some parts of Abuja and seized counterfeit items worth N37 million.

The agency said in a statement posted on its X handle on Tuesday that during the operation which was based on intelligence reports from its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, several unregistered and counterfeit cosmetics were seized.

The agency noted that the development was part of efforts to rid the market of counterfeit and illegally imported cosmetics products in the nation’s capital.

‘’NAFDAC has intensified its efforts to rid the market of counterfeit and illegally imported cosmetics products in Abuja.

Acting on intelligence reports, the Agency’s Investigation & Enforcement Directorate conducted coordinated raids across supermarkets and open markets, including Wuse and Garki markets. Several unregistered and counterfeit cosmetics were seized, with a total street value of ₦37 million.

NAFDAC is committed to investigating the sources of these illegal products and will take strict regulatory action against those involved. All confiscated items will be destroyed in line with the Agency’s laws and regulations, ensuring public safety.

The Agency urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.’’