Loose Women star Brenda Edwards is urging Britain’s ‘aunties’ to step up and help tackle the risk of avoidable sight loss in African-Caribbean communities. The TV personality revealed glaucoma – a condition that can cause irreversible damage to vision – runs in her family and warned those from an African Caribbean background are up to four times more likely to develop it.
Her appeal follows research showing African-Caribbean adults were a third more likely to postpone or skip health appointments, including GP visits and eye examinations, compared to other demographics. However, 78 per cent of respondents indicated that guidance from older, respected women – known as ‘aunties’ – would shape their healthcare choices.
The singer and presenter, who has teamed up with Specsavers said: “Aunties have been praying, cooking and looking after their communities forever. Now it’s time for them to tell their loved ones to get an eye test – because that’s who they will listen to.”
“My family has a history of glaucoma so I’m very aware how important eye tests are,” she said, “So please do as your auntie says and book one today, even if you think you can see perfectly fine.
“I’m not asking now, I’m telling you – pass the message on.”
Robyn Asprey, development manager at Glaucoma UK, has warned that the number of people suffering from glaucoma is set to skyrocket by 44 per cent between 2015 and 2035.
“People from African-Caribbean communities are up to four times more likely to get glaucoma, ” she said, “and although it’s more common later in life, it can affect people of all ages.
“That is why we need to raise awareness of glaucoma amongst higher risk communities and ensure people can access the eye care they need, in an equitable and timely manner.”
Alarmingly, nearly half of Brits remain oblivious to the risks or warning signs of glaucoma. A fifth confessed it had been two years or longer since their last eye check – while one in twenty shockingly admitted they’d never had one at all.
But the study of 2,000 adults – including 500 from African-Caribbean backgrounds – found 71 per cent believe health advice carries more weight when delivered by someone sharing their cultural heritage.
Ebahi Demi Ejegi, an optometry director at Specsavers Sidcup, added: “Glaucoma can develop slowly over time without obvious symptoms, meaning many don’t realise there’s a problem until irreversible damage to their vision has already been done.
“That’s why regular eye checks are so important – they’re not just about checking your vision, they’re vital to catch conditions like glaucoma early.”