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NewsHealthLatest UK coronavirus opening rules for Boots Opticians, Specsavers and Vision Express explained

Wednesday, 27th May 2020, 3:41 pm

After Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his chief aide Dominic Cummings claimed that having coronavirus affected their eyesight, people may be keen to get their own eyes checked after recovering from the virus.

Lockdown restrictions in the UK are now beginning to slowly ease, with England moving into phase 2 of lockdown from 1 June.

Non-essential shops are being allowed to reopen from 15 June, but does this include opticians? And what should you do if you have an eye care emergency?

Heres what you need to know.

When did opticians close?

Opticians ceased running routine appointments when the UK entered into lockdown.

When will opticians reopen?

Routine appointments remain suspended in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, but those who need essential and urgent eye care can still access help.

What is essential eye care?

This includes, but is not limited to appointments for patients who would not normally be considered to be emergencies, but where a delay in an examination could be detrimental to a patients sight or wellbeing.

This could include situations where patients have broken or lost their glasses or contact lenses and need a replacement pair to function.

What is urgent or emergency eye care?

This is where urgent clinical advice or intervention is needed, e.g. for red eye, contact lens discomfort, foreign objects, sudden change in vision, flashes and floaters, or where the patient has been advised to attend a practice by NHS 111 or another healthcare professional for urgent eye care.

Which opticians are offering emergency eye care?

Specsavers has suspended all routine eye appointments, but the CEO John Perkins, said: We will though still remain open to support people in the communities we work in if they need urgent or essential care.

However, not all stores are open during this time and some of their stores have changed their normal working hours.

The Specsavers website explains that if youre having any problems with your eyes, the best thing to do is to call your local store, who will ask you some questions about your symptoms and will be able to arrange either an essential appointment, over the phone or with their RemoteCare service.

They will then let you know whether you should come into store for an urgent appointment.

They may even refer to you to an eye emergency department. If you do need to come into store, the chain is following government guidelines to make this as safe as possible.

Vision Express, Asda Opticians and Boots Opticians have also remained open for urgent and emergency appointments, but again, not all branches are open.

You are advised to call your local branch if you have a problem, so the optician can assess your situation and whether or not you need to be seen face to face.

See the original post:
Are opticians open during lockdown? Latest UK coronavirus opening rules for Boots, Specsavers and Vision Express explained - inews

Actress Sofia Vergara says she started losing her eyesight when she turned 40-years-old.

Vergara said she refused to wear glasses because she thought she looked old, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"When I turned 40, 41, 42, I started losing my sight. It's the normal thing that happens at that age. I refused to wear glasses because I felt old. I was like, 'No, I'm going to hold it. I don't need them. I don't need them'," she told people.com.

"We're going to have to use them no matter what at this age, so at least use something that makes you look cute, not like you're the little grandma."

"Those little ones at the top of your nose make you look like a granny if you're reading or something. And I hate that. I prefer the ones that are bold and already a statement, not tiny little things that sit on your nose."

The "Modern Family" actress says amid lockdown she has been reading a lot more."Now that I am home reading so much more, I know how important they are to so many of us. I also know a woman wants to feel good when wearing them, wherever she is. I wanted to offer fashionable, chic, fresh eyewear styles, allowing women to not just to see, but to see beautifully."

The proceeds from sales will benefit Foster Grant's RestoringVision charity.

Also ReadSofia Vergara all set to judge America's Got Talent

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Sofia Vergara reveals losing her eyesight when she turned 40 - PINKVILLA

After a successful research phase, a new type of Accommodating Intraocular Lens (AIOL) capable of effectively treating presbyopia is looking for a place in the market. Scientists from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) are hoping to have the first pre-commercial prototype ready by 2026.

The technology behind this innovative AIOL was revealed in a study published last year in the Optica journal brought out by the Optical Society of America (OSA). Susana Marco, from the Daza Valds Optical Institute of the CSIC, led the team in this ambitious project.

Presbyopia is an age-related condition involving the loss of the crystalline lenss ability to focus after it becomes stiffer with time. This creates difficulties for the eye to properly fixate on either nearby or faraway objects and see them clearly. However, despite affecting 100% of humans over 45 years of age, there is still no satisfactory solution to this condition.

But this might change soon!

The Spanish research team is bringing an intraocular lens that can reshape itself inside the eye and thereby focus on far or near objects, mimicking the ability of a young eye. This is something that has never been done before.

The potential of this optical technology lies not only in the innovative mechanism that sets it apart from any other intraocular lens on the market but also in its capacity to improve the quality of life for those greatly affected by presbyopia.

The team is planning to set up a company in order to bring this to the market Lightlens that aims to commercialize the product. While this has not been completed as yet, the scientists have already started receiving funding to further develop the patented technology.

We are currently talking to different intraocular lens manufacturing companies who could be potential investors and partners. We will set up the company as soon as we have secured financing, Marco said.

Alongside her, the co-inventors of the two patents involved in this research are Carlos Dorronsoro from the CSICs Institute of Optics, and Irene Kochevar from the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital (University of Harvard). Other collaborators include Rocio Gutierrez and Andrs de la Hoz also from the Institute of Optics in Spain.

Marco explained to Innovation Origins that two elements are responsible for the lens capacity being able to adapt and accommodate various distances. The first one produces refraction, which is mainly responsible for the focus on faraway objects. The second is a flexible part that alters the shape of the lens by changing its curvature, which allows it to adapt and fixate properly on any nearby items.

The lens works by changing its curvature to accommodate far and near objects, just like young eye do, added the Spanish scientists.

The way in which its elements come into play is quite straightforward: the lens captures the movement of a muscle in the eye and adjusts itself accordingly. Specifically, it catches the ciliary muscles force, which is the one responsible for dealing with objects at various distances.

The tricky part was how to attach the intraocular lens to the eye so that its mechanism would be sensitive to the movement of the muscles. The answer was found in a photo-adhesive technique, which is a process that involves a photoinitiator agent that is activated by light and enables bonding of the eye with the lens.

According to Marcos, this underlines the success of the lens, as the technique has never been used before to treat presbyopia.

She added that the biggest challenge her team underwent in order to create the technology, was combining all the disciplines that were necessary for its success. The lens uses elements of optomechanical design, photochemical techniques for photoactivation of the bonding process, surgical techniques for implantation, and a material with the relevant optical and mechanical properties.

All elements needed to work smoothly with one another, and in the end, they did.

The result is a never-before-seen technology that is capable of successfully recreating in aging humans the functional capacities of young eyes.

Commercially, the intraocular lens would enter the segment of the sector known as premium. This refers to intraocular lenses that not only correct the crystallines opacification but also improve the patients quality of life and sight. In this case, by recovering their sights ability to accommodate distances, Marco stated.

The lens was first designed through a computational process. After that, prototypes were manufactured and tested in an eye stretcher (equipment optimized for eye surgery, ed) which had a system installed that replicated the ciliary muscles movement. The photochemical bonding was demonstrated initially outside the context of an eye and then surgically inside the eyes of a porcine animal model.

According to Marco, before implantation in humans, it is necessary to adjust some design parameters so that biocompatibility and toxicity tests, as well as preclinical tests, can be carried out on animal models and then in clinical trials with human patients. She emphasized that the lens is still under development and that other tests are necessary to ensure an optimal and safe outcome.

The current challenge with the LightLens is that it is not only an intraocular lens, but that it is also particularly sophisticated, with new elements in its design, with new substances in its material, and it uses light in its application.

In the past, the team behind Lightlens has had experience in commercializing other optical products. They founded 2EyesVision, Plenoptika, and PhysIOL; all of which are looking to improve ophthalmological processes.

Marco is very positive about the future of LightLens. She concluded that their aim is to provide patients with a solution that replicates the functioning of the young eye, which will, without a doubt, improve their quality of vision and their quality of life.

See more here:
Younger eyes for an aging population with this innovative intraocular lens - Innovation Origins

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Dominic Cummings may have broken the Highway Code by driving to Barnard Castle to test his vision, a senior ex-police officer has said.

Former Greater Manchester Police chief constable Sir Peter Fahy said the journey to the town, which Mr Cummings has said was to test his eyesight ahead of a longer journey back to London , was "ill-advised" and potentially put others in danger.

Sir Peter, who was head of Prevent from 2010 to 2015, also said he believed that Mr Cummings may have been sent back to London if he had been stopped by police on his drive up to Durham.

He added that officers are frustrated by the actions of the Prime Minister's chief adviser , amid concerns of "confusion" around reasons to travel.

The intervention comes as the government tries to shift the focus away from the row about Mr Cummings trip to Durham during the coronavirus lockdown.

Dominic Cummings gave a press conference on Monday amid a row over his journey to Durham (AFP via Getty Images)

Asked if Mr Cummings would have been sent home if an officer had stopped him on his way to Durham, Sir Peter told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think at that point, in terms of what was the understanding of the regulations and the Government messaging, I think it may well be that absolutely hed have been turned back, as many other people were turned back from things that they were doing.

He was then asked about Mr Cummings's drive to Barnard Castle. During an unprecedented press conference on Monday, Mr Cummings said he drove his family to the town - which was around 25 miles away from where he was self-isolating - to test his eyesight to see if he could make the trip back down to London, 15 days after he had displayed symptoms. He said he had some eyesight problems during his illness.

We did not visit the castle, we did not walk around the town, he insisted, but said that he had felt a bit sick so they had walked about 10 to 15 metres to the riverbank where they sat for about 15 minutes until he felt better.

Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (Picture: PA)

On the trip, Sir Peter said: "Clearly, number one, that's ill-advised as a means of testing your eyesight as to whether you're fit to drive, but again it's hard to see - unless there's some justification that that was to take daily exercise - how that was justified."

Pressed on whether if it was a criminal offence, Sir Peter replied: "It certainly appears to be against the Highway Code, it's not the way to test your eyesight, and put potentially other people in danger."

Sir Peter also said it was now hard to see the role of police going forward, adding: The rules about the reasons for travel are now very confused. When you see the crowds on Bournemouth and Southend beaches and other places yesterday, its hard to see what role the police have in trying to control that.

He added: "There's a lot of confusion and it feels like there's quite a gap between the public narrative and narrative of ministers about the lockdown and what's happening on the street.

Mr Cummings said he believed he had acted "reasonably" and legally when he drove 260 miles from home in March.

He said he made the journey because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus, and concerns about his familys safety.

Mr Cummings declined to apologise for his actions but conceded reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in the circumstances.

Government minister Michael Gove was asked about Mr Fahys comments and replied: Ive got great respect for Peter Fahy but I think that weve already heard differing accounts of what the police did and didnt do in this affair.

He also added: Whats clear is [Mr Cummings] didnt break the law, he didnt break the rules, he sought to protect his family and he also sought to ensure that the risk of anyone in his family infecting anyone else as absolutely minimised.

See the article here:
Dominic Cummings may have broken Highway Code with test drive to Barnard Castle, former top police chief says - Evening Standard

Trending Eyesight Test Equipment Market: Covid-19 Outbreak Impact Analysis

Toronto, Canada: The global Eyesight Test Equipment Market has been garnering remarkable momentum in the recent years. The steadily escalating demand due to improving purchasing power is projected to bode well for the global market. QY Researchs latest publication, titled global Eyesight Test Equipment market, offers an insightful take on the drivers and restraints present in the market. It assesses the historical data pertaining to the global Eyesight Test Equipment market and compares it to the current market trends to give the readers a detailed analysis of the trajectory of the market.

Top Key players cited in the report: EyeNetraBhavana MDCEssilor InternationalAlcon, Inc.HeineHeidelberg Engineering GmbHSeiko Optical Products Co., Ltd.Nidek Co., Ltd.Carl Zeiss AGHoya CorporationAbbott Medical Optics.Inc.Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.Inc.Shenzhen Certainn Technology

Get Free PDF Sample Copy of this Report to understand the structure of the complete report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart)

Due to the pandemic, we have included a special section on the Impact of COVID 19 on the Eyesight Test Equipment Market which would mention How the Covid-19 is Affecting the Eyesight Test Equipment Industry, Market Trends and Potential Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape, Covid-19 Impact on Key Regions and Proposal for Eyesight Test Equipment Players to Combat Covid-19 Impact.

The research report covers the trends that are currently implemented by the major manufacturers in the Eyesight Test Equipment market including adoption of new technology, government investments on R&D, shifting in perspective towards sustainability, and others. Additionally, the researchers have also provided the figures necessary to understand the manufacturer and its contribution to both regional and global market:

The research report is broken down into chapters, which are introduced by the executive summary. Its the introductory part of the chapter, which includes details about global market figures, both historical and estimates. The executive summary also provides a brief about the segments and the reasons for the progress or decline during the forecast period. The insightful research report on the global Eyesight Test Equipment market includes Porters five forces analysis and SWOT analysis to understand the factors impacting consumer and supplier behavior.

Segmentation by Type:

PortableStationary

Segmentation by Application:

ChildrenAdultsThe Elder

The chapter on regional segmentation details the regional aspects of the global Eyesight Test Equipment market. It highlights the political scenario in the market and the anticipates its influence on the global Eyesight Test Equipment market.

Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia) Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada.) South America (Brazil etc.) The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt.)

The report answers important questions that companies may have when operating in the global Eyesight Test Equipment market. Some of the questions are given below:

What will be the size of the global Eyesight Test Equipment market in 2025? What is the current CAGR of the global Eyesight Test Equipment market? Which product is expected to show the highest market growth? Which application is projected to gain a lions share of the global Eyesight Test Equipment market? Which region is foretold to create the most number of opportunities in the global Eyesight Test Equipment market? Will there be any changes in market competition during the forecast period? Which are the top players currently operating in the global Eyesight Test Equipment market? How will the market situation change in the coming years? What are the common business tactics adopted by players? What is the growth outlook of the global Eyesight Test Equipment market?

The scope of the Report:

The report segments the global Eyesight Test Equipment market on the basis of application, type, service, technology, and region. Each chapter under this segmentation allows readers to grasp the nitty-gritties of the market. A magnified look at the segment-based analysis is aimed at giving the readers a closer look at the opportunities and threats in the market. It also address political scenarios that are expected to impact the market in both small and big ways.The report on the global Eyesight Test Equipment market examines changing regulatory scenario to make accurate projections about potential investments. It also evaluates the risk for new entrants and the intensity of the competitive rivalry.

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Table of Contents

Report Overview: It includes six chapters, viz. research scope, major manufacturers covered, market segments by type, Eyesight Test Equipment market segments by application, study objectives, and years considered.

Global Growth Trends: This section has three chapters- Industry Trends, Growth Rate of Major Producers and Production Analysis.

Eyesight Test Equipment Market Share by Manufacturer: Here, production, revenue, and price analysis by the manufacturer are included along with other chapters such as expansion plans and merger and acquisition, Distribution of products, service areas and headquarters provided by major manufacturers.

Market Size by Type: This includes price analysis by type, production value market share, and production market share.

Market Size by Application: This section includes Eyesight Test Equipment market consumption analysis by application.

Profiles of Manufacturers: Here, leading players of the global Eyesight Test Equipment market are studied based on sales area, key products, gross margin, revenue, price, and production.

Eyesight Test Equipment Market Value Chain and Sales Channel Analysis: It includes customer, distributor, Eyesight Test Equipment market value chain, and sales channel analysis.

Market Forecast: Production aspects: In this part of the report, the author focused on predicting production and production value, forecasting the main producers, and predicting production and production value by production type.

About Us:We have a strong network of high powered and experienced global consultants who have about 10+ years of experience in the specific industry to deliver quality research and analysis. Having such an experienced network, our services not only cater to the client who wants the basic reference of market numbers and related high growth areas in the demand side, but also we provide detailed and granular information using which the client can definitely plan the strategies with respect to both supply and demand side.

Contact Us: Nimesh H302-20 Misssisauga, Valley, Missisauga,L5A 3S1, Toronto, Canada Phone Number: +1-276-477-5910Email- [emailprotected]

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Current Trends: Eyesight Test Equipment Market 2020: What are the key opportunities? - Cole of Duty

There is little evidence to link Covid-19 to eyesight problems, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and Moorfields Eye Hospital have said.

Downing Street aide Dominic Cummings said on Monday that he drove to Barnard Castle with his wife and child in order to test his eyesight before making the drive back home to London.

He was backed up by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who suggested he too had suffered problems with his vision after contracting coronavirus.

Mr Johnson told the daily Downing Street briefing on Monday: Im finding I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years, I think because of the effects of this thing.

So Im inclined to think thats very, very plausible, that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus.

Moorfields Eye Hospital said on Tuesday there was little evidence at the moment of a link and said more data was needed.

A statement said: At present, there is very little evidence to suggest that Covid-19 can affect eyesight.

Cases where Covid-19 is recorded alongside an impact on eyesight are rare, so we cannot establish a direct causal effect.

We need more data to be collected on Covid-19-related eye conditions to see if there is an association.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists also said it was unable to report on the link due to a lack of evidence.

A statement said the College is unable to report on the association of vision impairment, as a result of a patient contracting Covid-19, due to a lack of evidence.

A direct causal effect can only be established through the reporting of proven cases of Covid-19 patients and their symptoms.

The College said its scientific journal, Eye, has recently published a collection of research papers looking at Covid-19 patients and eye health.

One of these papers points to potential problems experienced by some patients in intensive care, including corneal infection, inability to close the eyes and the eye surface becoming very dry.

The College said: We believe that there have been a few cases reported on viral conjunctivitis and a statement was issued on this topic, in association with the College of Optometrists, in March.

But Robert MacLaren, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, said coronavirus can affect the eyes in several ways.

It was reported in approximately one third of patients in Wuhan (China) in a recent study.

The ocular manifestations in the Wuhan patients included conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia (red eye), chemosis (eye swelling), epiphora (watery eye) and increased secretions (sticky eye).

Any of the above symptoms may affect vision and affected patients would be advised to drive with caution or not at all if there was significant blurring of vision or double vision.

See the original post:
Coronavirus in Scotland RECAP: death toll reaches 2,291 as hospitalisations fall by 69 - Scotland on Sunday

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that his own eyesight was affected by coronavirus, after his top aide said he had gone on a drive to test his vision after recovering from the virus.

Mr Johnson told the daily Downing Street press briefing on Monday that he was having to wear glasses for the first time in years after suffering coronavirus.

He added: Im finding that I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years because I think of the likely effects of this thing so Im inclined to think theres some I think thats very, very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus.

His comments come after Mr Cummings earlier told reporters that he took his family to Barnard Castle to see if he could drive safely after his illness affected his eyesight.

But the chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales took to social media to warn people not to get behind the wheel if they feel unwell or their eyesight is impaired.

Speaking at a press conference in the Downing Street rose garden, Mr Cummings said he had fallen ill with Covid symptoms of a headache and fever the day after arriving in Durham.

After recovering, Mr Cummings said he got expert medical advice and was told he could go back to work.

But because the virus had affected his eyesight, he said his wife did not want to risk the drive back to London and they agreed they should go for a short drive.

Mr Cummings added: My wife was very worried, particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease.

She did not want to risk a nearly 300-mile drive with our child given how ill I had been.

We agreed that we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely, we drove for roughly half an hour and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town.

We did not visit the castle, we did not walk around the town.

We parked by a river. My wife and I discussed the situation, we agreed that I could drive safely, we should turn around and go home.

But the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter took to Twitter to advise people to not drive if their eyesight might be impaired.

Sorry, this content isn't available on your device.

He added: Folks, I say this in all sincerity and as an important road safety issue.

If youre feeling unwell and your eyesight may be impaired do not drive your vehicle to test your ability to drive. Its not a wise move.

As a former road death investigator with Hampshire police I have investigated many serious collisions, including fatalities.

Some of these were caused by drivers with impaired vision, this is a serious issue.

Do not drive if your eyesight is impaired or you feel unwell.

Surrey Polices road policing unit also tweeted that anyone concerned about their eyesight should not drive.

Sorry, this content isn't available on your device.

It added: A drivers vision is very important.

If you have any concerns about your eyesight dont drive, until youve sought the advice of a qualified optician.

A driver must be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres.

Read more:
PM and top aide say coronavirus affected their eyesight - ITV News

Speaking to the press on Monday, Dominic Cummings said he drove, with his wife and child, on a 30-mile trip to Barnard Castle during lockdown to see if he could drive safely, concerned that his eyesight might have been affected by coronavirus.

In a press conference later the same day, Boris Johnson also claimed to have experienced problems with his eyesight following Covid-19, brandishing a pair of glasses and saying: Im finding that I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years I think thats very, very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus.

Eye problems are not on the UKs list of coronavirus symptoms. At present, only a high temperature, new continuous cough, and loss of taste or smell are considered common signs of the disease.

A spokesperson for Moorfields eye hospital, in London, said there was, at present, very little evidence to suggest Covid-19 could affect eyesight.

Cases where Covid-19 is recorded alongside an impact on eyesight are rare, so we cannot establish a direct causal effect, the spokesperson said.

Prof Chris Hammond, Frost chair of ophthalmology at Kings College London, who is also a consultant ophthalmologist at Guys and St Thomas NHS trust, said: Eye problems with coronavirus, Covid-19, seem to be extremely uncommon and there arent any reports that I can find in the literature of anyone having visual loss due to the virus.

Maybe something like one in 100 people may get a bit of conjunctivitis, which can in theory blur vision. But it is pretty uncommon. He added that such eye problems were more frequent among patients who had been ventilated.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the eye, and typically has symptoms including pinkness of the eye, watering and a sticky discharge.

Robert MacLaren, the professor of ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, said reports from Wuhan suggested a link between Covid-19 and conjunctivitis, as well as conjunctival hyperemia (red eye), chemosis (eye swelling), epiphora (watery eye) and increased secretions (sticky eye). MacLaren noted such symptoms could affect vision.

A spokesperson for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists said the college was unable to report on an association of vision impairment with Covid-19 due to the lack of evidence. But, they added, the college had previous noted coronavirus might cause conjunctivitis.

Hammond said it would be clear to an individual if they had conjunctivitis. You would be aware that you had a bit of a pink eye and it was a bit watery and discharging. A bit like a windscreen wiper on a car, you have to blink to clear the muck off the tear film.

Hammond said a report from Brazil suggested that, from scans, some Covid-19 patients appeared to have some damage to the retina, but the patients did not have any symptoms of eye problems or loss of vision.

Hammond added that severe Covid-19 might mean patients needed their reading glasses more.

It is true when you have been significantly unwell, that as all your muscles are a bit weaker, the muscles that control the focus of your eyes can be weaker, he said. But the situation, he noted, applied only to far-sighted people, adding that Cummings appeared to wear glasses for short-sightedness myopia being unable to see well in the distance.

As for getting behind the wheel of the car to test your eyesight, Hammond said the Highway Code stated that drivers needed to be able to read a vehicle number plate at a minimum distance of 20 metres. When you have your driving test to see if you are seeing well enough to be allowed to drive, they test whether you can read the number plate before they allow you in the car, he said.

Continued here:
Can coronavirus affect eyesight? Evidence is lacking, say experts - The Guardian

Singapore is often labelled myopia capital of the world, with Dr Lam Pin Pin, Singapores Senior Minister of State for Health stating the prevalence is 65% in primary school students, and rises to 83% in young adults.

By 2050, it is projected that 80 to 90% of all Singaporean adults above 18 years old will be myopic and 15 to 25% of these individuals may have high myopia, he said.

He explained that high myopia increases the risk of eye disorders later in life, such as early cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

In light of this,Beh Kheng Suan, country head of Malaysia and Singapore at VitaHealthobserved: We see a change in customer behavior. Nowadays, it is not only the older group of people who are looking for eye care supplements to improve their eyesight. Younger customers are also looking for eye care supplements due to long hours of staring at their screens, which can cause dry and tired eyes.

In particular, she pointed out that eye care was especially important for I-gen (4-16 years old) and millennials (17-34 years old) as these groups were most prone to myopia and digital eye fatigue.

VitaHealth currently has four products in its eye care line. It also markets health supplements with functions ranging from joint, liver, cardiovascular to blood sugar control.

Behtold NutraIngredients-Asia that eye supplements were among the top five categories sold in Singapore, and she expects sales to grow between 10 to 15% year-on-year.

Last year, the firm launched Eye-Pro, a supplement claiming to offer blue light protection. According to Beh, Eye-Pro is the first eye care formula in Singapore containing meso-zeaxanthin.

Beh explained that the macula in eyes is responsible for sharp and detailed central vision. It is largely made up of three xanthophyll carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, collectively known as the macular pigment.

Of the three carotenoids, meso-zeaxanthin has the greatest capability of quenching oxygen radicals. It has the highest capacity to filter the most energetic and potentially damaging wavelengths of visible light, and to neutralise free radicals, she said.

The supplement is formulated with XanMax, a patented marigold flower ingredient manufactured by Indias Katra PhytoChem.

For every 200mg of XanMax, there is 20mg of lutein and 4mg of trans-meso zeaxanthin. Trans-meso zeaxanthin refers to total zeaxanthin comprising of both trans- and meso- isomers.

In a clinical study, supplementation of XanMax for six months was found to increase macular pigment optical density and serum lutein concentration.

This macular pigment acts as internal sunglasses to protect the photoreceptor cells in the retina against harmful light and improve vision. In combination, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin provide the most potent antioxidants that can localise to the macula and represent the natural oxidative protectant, Beh explained.

With the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in many people working remotely, she said the firm had seen sales of Eye-Pro picking up. There is an increase in Eye-Pro sales as many people are working from home and spending more hours staring at a computer screen. This product helps to protect vision from the damaging effects of blue light emitted by digital devices.

VitaHealths supplements are sold on its official website, as well as other e-commerceplatforms including Lazada, Shopee and Qoo10. Its offline presence includes departmental stores, pharmacies, hospitals and polyclinics.

In terms of trends in eye care ingredients, Beh said lutein, zeaxanthin and bilberry would continue to remain popular.

The globaleye health supplements market is expected to grow from USD1,412.12m in 2018 to USD2,116.12m by 2025 at a CAGR of 5.94%.

Original post:
Bright future: VitaHealth eyes growing opportunity with vision care supplements as screen time soars - FoodNavigator-Asia.com

At first glance, the sign may appear to say "10p drive-through," - but this is the Belfast Trust's Intra-Ocular Pressure drive-through clinic.

It is a first in the UK, helping to protect the eyesight of glaucoma sufferers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Glaucoma is a condition that affects the nerve at the back of the eye," consultant ophthalmic surgeon Angela Knox explained.

"It causes loss of peripheral vision in the early stages, which is irreversible, and that can lead on to tunnel vision or loss of central vision in the advanced stages.

"The treatment for it is usually with eye drops which are taken on a daily basis to lower the pressure in the eye, but laser and surgery can also be carried out."

First to pull into the marquee is Thomas Taylor.

He has had the condition for much of the last 20 years. He didn't know his sight was so bad until glaucoma was diagnosed.

"I was as blind as a bat," he said, from the comfort of his daughter's car.

"They checked me last September, and the professor said: 'I'm not happy with this left eye'.

Thomas has had to have operations help restore some of his sight.

Last year, he was prescribed new eye drops, and he's back to have his eyes checked, driven to the Shankill Wellbeing and Treatment centre by his daughter.

Under the canvas of the marquee, Thomas stays in his daughter's car.

The nurse, Sarah Henderson, asks him to remove his seatbelt and turn towards her.

From beside the car, in her visor, mask, apron and gloves, she uses a portable pressure device to assess how his eyes are doing.

Using just her gloved thumb and forefinger on one hand, she touches Thomas' forehead lightly to support the machine, for the pressure reading to be carried out.

It's over in seconds.

He'll get a phone call in a few days' time to let him know the result and any action that needs to be taken.

"Our patients seem to be very pleased with it and we've had a very good feedback," said Sister Henderson.

"Some of our patients are a little bit anxious at the minute about coming up to the clinic, and rightly so, just because of the current climate that we're in.

"So this is a really good way of reassuring patients, taking their pressure for them, making sure treatment is working and being able to give them a little bit of feedback and let them know how things are going.

"We're finding it works very well, and we're able to see a lot more patients than we would normally be able to see, which is also beneficial for us," she added.

Consultant Angela Knox and her team have identified hundreds of patients who can be monitored this way during the pandemic.

"It's not suitable for all of our patients because many of our patients need additional tests to monitor their glaucoma.

"For these patients where we just need to know their pressure, it's been a great way of providing the service for them," she said.

"It also keeps our waiting area free for patients that we need to see face to face," she added.

For the steady stream of patients like Thomas arriving for their checks, the reassurance that their sight is being kept safe while they are protected from any exposure to the virus is invaluable.

"It's very convenient to come here, you know," said Thomas.

"I don't have to worry about the clinic. And hopefully I get checked out and Bob's your uncle."

See the article here:
Coronavirus: The drive-through that protects glaucoma sufferers - BBC News

File photo of BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur. (PTI)

A day after her missing posters dotted areas in her Lok Sabha constituency Bhopal, BJP MP Pragya Thakur said she has no vision in one eye and only 25% eyesight in the second. Thakur in a video message said she has been recuperating at AIIMS in New Delhi for a while.

In a video message, Thakur with a bandaged left eye claimed her condition deteriorated in the last month or so and she cant see from one eye and has blurred vision in the second. "I have swelling right from brain to retina. I am not in a position to talk much," she said.

She lashed at those who put up her missing posters in Bhopal saying she does not care for those who only believe in politics and added that her representatives are offering services to public in Bhopal.

"I believe in working and I may be ill but this illness is also a gift of Congress party," said the first-time MP who had defeated senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

Thakur has blamed custodial torture for her numerous physical ailments and claims she was harassed in connection to the Malegaon blasts at the behest of Congress leaders. Her missing posters were put up by unknown persons in several areas in Bhopal on Friday.

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Bhopal MP Pragya Thakur Claims Her Vision Impaired in One Eye, 25% Vision left in The Other - News18

ROAD SAFETY organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to avoid getting behind the wheel if they have any concerns about their eyesight.

During recent months, with routine eyesight tests hard or impossible to come by, some drivers may have become aware of changes in their vision, and GEM is asking them to do the responsible thing and avoid driving.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: GEM has long campaigned for more rigorous and routine eyesight testingin the interests of road safety.

A proper eye test will also measure peripheral awareness, eye coordination, depth perception, ability to focus and colour vision.

If you are concerned about changes to the quality of your vision, please dont put yourself and others at risk by driving. Instead wait to have a propereyesight test before you get behind the wheel.

There are simply no excuses fordriving when youreunsure you can see properly, as you risk causing injury not only to yourself but to your passengers and anyone else who happens to be in your way.

Poor eyesight is linked to more than 3,000 fatal and serious injury collisions every year.We believe all drivers should have an eye test every two years, just to ensure there are no safety concerns about their vision and to deal with any developing issues at an early stage.

The current eyesight test was introduced to the driving test in 1937 and has only been amended in minor ways over the years to reflect changing number plate sizes. It is the only eyesight test drivers are required to undertake until they reach the age of 70.

According to GEM, the test is crude and outdated, as it only measures visual acuity (sharpness). It could also quite easily examine a drivers field of view, as is done in many US states, to check whether motorists can see and react to whats happening around them.

Worth adds: Asking someone to read a number plate at 20.5 metres (67 feet) cannot on its own be a measure of their fitness to continue driving.

A proper eye test will also measure peripheral awareness, eye coordination, depth perception, ability to focus and colour vision. Before getting back on the road after lockdown, we encourage every driver with any eyesight concerns to book a test and ensure everything is in order.

Eyesight has until now not been a major consideration for those who may have contracted coronavirus.

The possibility thatCovid-19 may have an affect on eyesight has been in the spotlight after prime minister Boris Johnsons chief adviser Dominic Cummings attempted to explain to the nation why he had driven to a local beauty spot during his controversial visit to Durham which came at the height of the coronavirus lockdown.

Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.

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Are you listening Dominic Cummings? Drivers urged to avoid getting behind the wheel if concerned about their eyesight - The Voice Online

Dominic Cummings has enlightened the nation with a brand new way to test your eyesight.

Indeed, if you're unsure whether your eyes are going a little "weird", he recommends you pack your wife and 4 year-old child into a car and take a 30 minute drive to your local castle.

Perhaps an early proponent of this exciting new science was Boris Johnson, who revealed during yesterday's press briefing that he has begun wearing glasses for the "first time in years" since recovering from the virus, which has indeed been linked to a temporary loss of the senses.

It seems that Johnson did already need glasses and has previously said he tries not to wear them as a "point of machismo", but who's to say he hasn't been guided by the brilliant scientific mind of his senior advisor?

Michael Gove has also come out in favour of the driving method. Although he admits that he's not an "authority on driving", he claimed on LBC that he has driven to test his eyesight "on occasion".

But if driving to a local beauty spot in the middle of a pandemic seems a little risky to you, don't worry, because there are other ways to test your eyesight.

Here's our top tips on how to look out for your eyes, even while we're in partial lockdown.

Go and visit an optician

This one seems so obvious now that Dominic Cummings is probably kicking himself!

If you are experiencing serious problems with your eyes, whether they're painful and bloodshot or your vision is impaired, you can phone up your local NHS opticians and ask them whether they're open for appointments.

Many opticians have remained open throughout the pandemic, although they are more likely to see patients with specific problems than for general check-ups. But it's definitely not unreasonable to suggest that Cummings could have booked himself an appointment after he'd isolated for 14 days rather than driving to a castle.

Try reading different-sized lettering

A Snellen chart, as they're officially known, can help you work our your vision's clarity.

If you don't happen to have one of those handy, you could try reading passages out of books with different sized fonts at different distances from your face. This isn't an exact science but it might help you ascertain whether you have a problem with the sharpness of your vision and whether you're near or far-sighted.

Take an online eye test

If you decide to take an online eye test, shop around first for one that looks trustworthy and ideally isn't accompanied by the word "Ad". Also, take the results as a loose guideline, not a conclusive result, until you can get yourself to an NHS eye appointment.

That being said, if you need to test your eyes at a moment's notice for instance, you suddenly realise you're faced with a 260 mile drive whilst experiencing coronavirus symptoms - an online eye test is an accessible tool to see if your eyes are playing tricks on you.

Get crafty with home eye testing

With a torch, tape measure and printed out test, you can actually give yourself or your child a home eye test as if you were sitting in an optician's.

Just have your patient sit in a chair opposite the test and get them to write down what they see when you flash a torch on each letter. It'll save you a whole lot of money in petrol!

Test your colour vision

If the problems you're noticing with your eyes has more to do with colour than clarity, what you need is an Ishihara colour test.

Try reading the numbers at the centre of these circles and if you can't, you may have daltonism or colour-blindness.

There are lots of ways to test your eyesight cheaply and safely that don't involve Barnard Castle and don't have to take place on your wife's birthday.

If you are having trouble with your eyes you can try to put on an optician's appointment, and if you suspect you are experiencing eye problems as a symptom of Covid-19 you should seek medical attention.

Despite all the options on this list, really a professional is the only one who can tell you how good or bad your eyesight is.

And you shouldn't get in the car and drive as a way of testing your eyesight.

Because what if you fail the test? That's putting you, and others, at risk.

See the original post here:
5 ways to test your eyesight that don't involve driving 30 miles to a castle on your wife's birthday - indy100

Ex-Greater Manchester Police chief constable Sir Peter Fahy told Radio 4's Today programme: Clearly, number one, that's ill-advised as a means of testing your eyesight as to whether you're fit to drive, but again it's hard to see - unless there's some justification that that was to take daily exercise - how that was justified.

Asked if it was a criminal offence, Sir Peter said: It certainly appears to be against the Highway Code.

It's not the way to test your eyesight, and put potentially other people in danger.

Rule 92 of the Highway Code dictates a number of requirements a drivers eyesight must meet to be considered safe to drive.

The rule also states police have the power to make a driver undertake an eyesight test.

Driving without meeting the required standards of vision is incredibly dangerous, and you can be prosecuted for doing so.

READ MORE:Dominic Cummings did NOT make mistake with lockdown trips

At the start of a driving test, you will be asked to read a number plate on a parked vehicle.

This is to test your eyesight, and if you cannot correctly read the plate you will fail your driving test.

To meet the standards of vision required for driving, you must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses if you need them) a car number plate made after September 1, 2001, from a distance of 20 metres away.

You must also have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale, with contact lenses or glasses if required, in both eyes together or in one eye if you only have one.

Your field of vision must also meet the standards set.

There are different requirements for bus and lorry drivers.

Further information is available on the Government website HERE.

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Highway Code eyesight requirements: What are the rules? - Express

MOTORISTShave been urged to test their eyesight amid concerns many behind the wheel do not realise they are too shortsighted to drive.

An awareness campaign by the DVLA in 2018 has resurfaced calling on drivers to test whether they can see a number plate from 20 metres away.

The number plate test reflects the legal distance from which all motorists should be able to read a sign.

It follows claims by the Prime Ministers chief aide Dominic Cummings, who said he drove to Barnard Castle in County Durham with his wife and son during the lockdown to test his eyesight.

What is the legal limitfor sight?

A DVLA survey indicated less than half of drivers knew that 20 metres was the legal limit for sight.

Five car lengths is said to roughly match the distance and road users are being encouraged to use the measure to test their vision on passing signs.

Anyone concerned about their vision should visit an optician or optometrist for an eye test, the DVLA said.

Motoristsshould carry out the 'number plate test' before driving

Wyn Parry, the DVLAs senior doctor, said:The number plate test is a simple and effective way for people to check their eyesight meets the required standards for driving.

The easiest and quickest way to do this is to work out what 20 metres looks like at the road side this is typically about the length of fivecars parked next to each other and then test yourself on whether you can clearly read the number plate.

Its an easy check to perform any time of day at the road side and takes just a couple of seconds.

Having good eyesight is essential for safe driving, so its really important for drivers to have regular eye tests.

Eyesight can naturally deteriorate over time, he added, meaning those who have never needed glasses before could eventually require a pair.

Top tips to check before driving for the first time in a while

For those whose cars have been parked up for a few weeks, MoneySavingExpert has published several key points that drivers should check before setting off on essential journeys:

See the article here:
How to properly test if your eyesight is good enough to drive - East Lothian Courier

Drivers' eye sight could be the next focus of road-side testing, if a Hobart optometrist's invention is taken up.

Ben Armitage has been frustrated by people not adhering to the vision requirements for driving.

"I regularly have a conversation with someone where I say 'you need to wear glasses to drive' and they tell me 'I'm not going to do that'," he says.

"And in Tasmania there's nothing really much I can do about it."

Research conducted in Melbourne and Brisbane showed up to 8 per cent of drivers did not meet the legal standard for vision.

The frustration prompted Mr Armitage to look at ways to improve road safety by encouraging people to wear their glasses.

"So I was thinking of a way that we could get a check to the side of the road that enabled someone to check whether someone was legal to drive," he said.

"Basically, to do a quick eye test on the side of the road in a few seconds which said 'yes, you're okay to drive' or 'no, you're not okay to drive'."

Mr Armitage worked with designers in Melbourne and has now developed the third prototype of the patented device he calls Acuidrive.

"I'm an optometrist, so the optics how the lenses work, how the light moves I can do that, but the ergonomics of it and the practicalities, I've had a lot of help both from friends in the police force and also these designers in Melbourne," he said.

Australian drivers need to meet what is called 6/12 vision, reading letters about twice the size of 20/20.

The device is held up to a person's forehead, and when they apply pressure a panel illuminates inside, revealing five small letters.

It is designed to replicate the standard six-metre reading test done in optometrists' rooms.

Mr Armitage is in talks with the Queensland University of Technology about trials to prove the device's accuracy.

"We need to make sure that if we are going to use this to test people's vision on the side of the road, that if you can't see using this device, you wouldn't be able to see using a test chart," he said.

"Once we have that stage, I think the next step is to try to get it into the hands of the police on a trial basis, just to do almost like random breath-testing to find out how big the scope of the problem is."

Ben Hamlyn, an Optometry Australia board member, said it was difficult to accurately test eyesight on the side of the road.

"Simply asking them to tell the police officer if they can see a street sign is not appropriate in most circumstances and it's not reliable enough," he said.

"So there is an enforcement issue."

Mr Hamlyn said research from the United Kingdom showed around 26 per cent of people admitted to not wearing glasses to drive when they should.

"Provided the device is precise and accurate enough to reliably measure someone's vision, I believe that it would benefit the community for police to be able to enforce the vision requirements that already exist," he said.

"And it may encourage those people who are not wearing their glasses to wear their glasses to drive."

In Tasmania, drivers' vision is tested when they first get their licence and then when they turn 75.

It is up to the individual to report if their eyesight changes during the decades in between.

RACT's executive general manager Stacey Pennicott said the idea of the Acuidrive device was sound and she was hopeful it would help improve road safety.

"That's a long period of time from when most people get their drivers licence to the time that they finish driving," she said.

"It's obviously an area that's untapped in terms of its ability to improve our road safety statistics."

See the article here:
This new mobile vision-testing device aims to improve road safety - ABC News

Motorists have been urged to test their eyesight amid concerns many behind the wheel do not realise they are too shortsighted to drive.

An awareness campaign by the DVLA in 2018 has resurfaced calling on drivers to test whether they can see a number plate from 20 metres away.

The number plate test reflects the legal distance from which all motorists should be able to read a sign.

It follows claims by the Prime Ministers chief aide Dominic Cummings, who said he drove to Barnard Castle in County Durham with his wife and son during the lockdown to test his eyesight.

What is the legal limitfor sight?

A DVLA survey indicated less than half of drivers knew that 20 metres was the legal limit for sight.

Five car lengths is said to roughly match the distance and road users are being encouraged to use the measure to test their vision on passing signs.

Anyone concerned about their vision should visit an optician or optometrist for an eye test, the DVLA said.

Motoristsshould carry out the 'number plate test' before driving

Wyn Parry, the DVLAs senior doctor, said:The number plate test is a simple and effective way for people to check their eyesight meets the required standards for driving.

The easiest and quickest way to do this is to work out what 20 metres looks like at the road side this is typically about the length of fivecars parked next to each other and then test yourself on whether you can clearly read the number plate.

Its an easy check to perform any time of day at the road side and takes just a couple of seconds.

Having good eyesight is essential for safe driving, so its really important for drivers to have regular eye tests.

Eyesight can naturally deteriorate over time, he added, meaning those who have never needed glasses before could eventually require a pair.

Top tips to check before driving for the first time in a while

For those whose cars have been parked up for a few weeks, MoneySavingExpert has published several key points that drivers should check before setting off on essential journeys:

Read the rest here:
How to properly test if your eyesight is good enough to drive - Ledbury Reporter

Police are urging the public not to test their eyesight by going out for a drive.

The chairman of the Police Federation has issued the plea after the prime ministers top aide Dominic Cummings said he drove 30 miles during the lockdown to check if his eyesight was up to scratch.

John Apter tweeted: "Folks, I say this in all sincerity and as an important road safety issue.

"If youre feeling unwell and your eyesight may be impaired do not drive your vehicle to test your ability to drive. Its not a wise move.

He added: "As a former road death investigator with Hampshire police I have investigated many serious collisions, including fatalities.

"Some of these were caused by drivers with impaired vision, this is a serious issue. Do not drive if your eyesight is impaired or you feel unwell."

Mr Cummings used the eyesight excuse during a bombshell 14-minute explanation of why he drove 260 miles to his family's farm in Durham when his wife Mary suffered coronavirus symptoms on March 27.

He said he suffered Covid-19 symptoms the next day.

During the press conference on Monday he admitted he drove from the Durham home to nearby Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, a half hour drive, on April 12, his wife Mary's 45th birthday.

He claimed it was on day 15 since the illness struck, and was to test his eyesight before going back to London down the A1.

He said his vision had been "a bit weird" so his wife suggested to "drive down the road" to check it.

Mr Cummings said "in a very complicated situation, I behaved reasonably".

People took to social media to poke fun at his eyesight explanation.

One man posted: "Hi @Specsavers, please can I cancel my eye test booked for Wednesday? I instead will be driving to Barnard Castle as I believe this is by far the most effective way to test my vision."

Another tweeted: "cant wait to go for my next eye test at specsavers and have them put me in a car and tell me to drive to barnard castle"

Stephen Reicher, a scientific advisor to the government, warned people would stop following advice because "government is looking after themselves in a way theyre not looking after us".

Prof Reicher added: If adherence falls, the infection will rise and people will die.

Mr Cummings has been reported to police over the trip, which came at the same time people were advised only to leave their house to walk, cycle or run if they were exercising.

This morning a Government minister resigned over the decision by Boris Johnson to back his most senior aide in Downing Street.

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Public warned by police not to test their eyesight by going for a drive - Mirror Online

After Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his chief aide Dominic Cummings claimed that having coronavirus affected their eyesight, many people may be keen to get their own eyes checked after recovering from the virus (Photo: Shutterstock)

After Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his chief aide Dominic Cummings claimed that having coronavirus affected their eyesight, many people may be keen to get their own eyes checked after recovering from the virus.

Lockdown restrictions in England are slowly beginning to ease, with the country set to move into Phase 2 in June, and many non-essential shops are being allowed to reopen.

But does this include opticians? Heres what you need to know about when you might be able to get your eyes tested again - and what to do if you have an emergency.

When did opticians close?

Opticians ceased running routine appointments when the UK entered into lockdown.

An NHS England notice dated 1 April, explaining the changes to optometry services delivered outside hospital, said: all routine optical services are suspended until advised otherwise.

When will opticians be allowed to reopen?

Although the government has not yet set a date for when opticians will be able to open for routine appointments, those who need access to urgent and essential eye care are still able to get help.

Urgent and essential eye care is being delivered from a limited number of optical practices only. You can check with your local optician or branch.

What is essential eye care?

This includes, but is not limited to, appointments for patients who would not normally be considered to be emergencies, but where a delay in an examination could be detrimental to a patients sight or wellbeing.

This could include situations where patients have broken or lost their glasses or contact lenses and need a replacement pair to function.

What is urgent or emergency eye care?

This is where urgent clinical advice or intervention is needed, for example for red eye, contact lens discomfort, foreign objects, sudden change in vision, flashes and floaters, or where the patient has been advised to attend a practice by NHS 111 or another healthcare professional for urgent eye care.

Specsavers has suspended all routine eye appointments, but CEO John Perkins, said: We will though still remain open to support people in the communities we work in if they need urgent or essential care.

However, not all stores are open during this time and some Specsavers stores have changed their normal working hours.

The Specsavers website explains that if youre having any problems with your eyes, the best thing to do is to call your local store, who will ask you some questions about your symptoms and will be able to arrange either an essential appointment, over the phone or with their RemoteCare service.

They will then let you know whether you should come into store for an urgent appointment.

They may even refer to you to an eye emergency department. If you do need to come into store, the chain is following government guidelines to make this as safe as possible.

Vision Express, Asda Opticians and Boots Opticians have also remained open for urgent and emergency appointments, but again, not all branches are open.

You are advised to call your local branch if you have a problem, so the optician can assess your situation and whether or not you need to be seen face to face.

Read more:
Here are the opticians open in England for emergency eye care - News Post Leader

There is a Fleet Street memoir by an author who is a little neglected these days.

The late Michael Green was a journalist who was once quite well known for The Art of Coarse series of books. They celebrate incompetence by poking fun at the attempts of the inadequate to take part in serious activities.

In that vein, The Art of Coarse Rugby chronicles the game as played by the wrecks, cowards and weaklings of the 4th XV, rather than the first-class version of the sport played by athletes and superstars.

Similarly, The Art of Coarse Acting, is a far cry from Londons West End. It is a memorable depiction of the sub-culture of amateur dramatics, where the coarse actor contends with collapsing scenery and is pretty good at remembering the lines so long as they arent his own.

Green also wrote a lesser known autobiography of his journalistic life, called Nobody Hurt in Small Earthquake. The title derives from a competition by sub-editors on The Times to find the dullest headline ever written.

In it, Green recalls one of the more congenial jobs which he had during the 1950s. It was in the features department of The Star not the tabloid of today but rather one of the London evening papers which was a stablemate of the also defunct News Chronicle.

He edited a feature named Bright Ideas, in which readers were encouraged to write in with their best hints and wheezes. If a letter was printed, the reader received a guinea. The writer of the letter judged the best of the day received five guineas. Whoever came up with the best letter of the week got 50 guineas. The intention was that readers came up with imaginative solutions for commonplace problems.

For example, a milkman got a prize for informing readers that rubbing the hands in spilt milk prevented chapping and chilblains during the winter. Green tried the advice and it worked.

Nail varnish was recommended as an effective way of stopping tights from laddering. A prize was given to the reader who suggested condensed milk could fix a broken tile. This, however, started a trend. Condensed milk began to be suggested as an answer for all sorts of other household tasks. Green stopped dishing out the prizes on the grounds that condensed milk was scarcely a powerful adhesive.

Dubious entries were checked with experts, but as Green remarked some spurious ones managed to slip through the net.

A suggestion that the taste of custard can be improved by adding an ivy leaf to the mixture brought an urgent letter from a doctor saying the taste was indeed improved but only because ivy contained arsenic, Green remembered.

Other suggestions were recognised as dangerous and were rejected for publication. Green remembered a night-shift worker came up with a coffin-shaped invention which acted as a sound- proof cover on his bed to help him sleep during the day.

The reader asserted that it made him sleep as sound as a babe. Green added the readers claim might have been correct as the device would undoubtedly have suffocated him.

Features in the Bright Ideas genre were once a staple of a handy hints style of journalism. So much so that they have been entertainingly parodied in the Top-Tips column in Viz, the vulgar magazine which satirises magazines and comics.

Among Vizs Top-Tips are such gems as: Before attempting to remove stubborn stains from a garment, circle the soiled area with a permanent pen so that when you remove it from the washing machine you can check the stain has gone.

Top-Tips sprang to mind during Dominic Cummingss excruciating press conference the other day. His explanation for his car journey to Barnard Castle could have walked out of the pages of Viz.

Worried about your dodgy vision after an attack of suspected coronavirus? Test your eyes by getting behind the wheel of your car and taking your wife and young child for a 30-mile drive.

Perhaps Cummings would think it a good idea to check his sense of smell by breaking into the big cats cage at a zoo to sniff the behind of a man-eating lion. While there, he could race a cheetah to test his legs.

His explanation for his now infamous drive to Barnard Castle may or may not prove the most damaging aspect of his 260-mile bolt from London to Durham during the lockdown. But it would certainly be the most laughable, if things werent quite so serious.

As so many people have remarked, Boris Johnsons failure to draw a swift line under the controversy and anger raging over his key advisers behaviour proved a hugely damaging distraction at a time when the public was seeking clarity on the most challenging health crisis of living memory.

If Michael Green were still around, events of the last few days would have provided some brilliant material for The Art of Coarse Politics.

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Tom Peterkin: Dominic Cummings's 'handy-hint' for testing the eyesight would be laughable if things weren't so serious - Press and Journal