logo
Calls for the Channel Islands to follow UK moves to introduce compulsory eye tests for all over-70s

Calls for the Channel Islands to follow UK moves to introduce compulsory eye tests for all over-70s

ITV News5 days ago
There are calls for Guernsey and Jersey to follow the UK's lead and introduce compulsory eyesight tests for drivers over 70.
It comes after UK politicians are considering an overhaul of road safety laws there.
The reported proposals include introducing mandatory eye tests every three years for motorists over the age of 70, with people banned from driving if they fail.
Some across the Channel Islands say they would like to see similar legislation introduced.
John Bichard's been driving taxis in Guernsey for 32 years and says he often sees motorists who he thinks demonstrate signs of failing eyesight.
"You may not know or think you've got a problem but people from the outside can see," he says.
John adds that taxi drivers on-island have to complete compulsory eye tests once they're over the age of 65, and there could be great benefit to others doing something similar.
"I love my freedom", he explains. "I understand why people don't want that taken away.
"Driving has been my life, so I would feel the same, but if I needed to have eye checks done, glasses, cataracts, whatever to continue driving, then I think you should."
In Jersey last year, there were 409 recorded vehicle collisions - of those drivers, 12% were aged over 70.
Optometrist Jacqui Ryan believes all people should have regular eye tests, but adds that the likelihood of developing conditions like glaucoma and cataracts increases as someone gets older.
She says annual eye examinations after 70 should be part of a person's routine health check, not just their driving license applications.
But when it comes to getting behind the wheel, Jacqui thinks the dangers are heightened.
"You never know when someone is going to pull out in front of you," she explains. "You never know when that pedestrian is going to come into the road.
"Low contrast - when we start hitting dusks and late at night - if you've got an early cataract, that can make things far more difficult for you to see."
"We're not here to take your license from you, we're here to help you make the most of your vision and keep you on the road as long as we possibly can, safely."
Others have their reservations, however.
David Inglis from Age Concern says he feels legislation is unnecessary, with many people carrying out routine eye checks from this age anyway.
He says we should trust people to know when they are concerned about their eyesight, as this is "is something that they have to experience for themselves".
David adds: "People rely on their cars, and that is so important for them in terms of their independence.
"They don't want to rely on family members just to do their shopping, they want to do it themselves - so we've got to ensure they get access as and when they need it."
However, the UK is one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting for eyesight problems that affect driving so the Channel Islands are in the minority.
Whether or not the Channel Islands choose to follow the UK's lead remains to be seen.
Guernsey's Traffic and Highway Services say they will "liaise with our counterparts at the UK Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency about this and monitor how these proposals develop".
Jersey's Driver and Vehicle Standards say they will also "review the details of the UK's new Road Safety Strategy once it is published", and aim to "align with national best practices".
They add that "any changes to local licensing requirements will be subject to careful local consideration", including consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why more Scottish farmers are becoming organic
Why more Scottish farmers are becoming organic

Times

timea day ago

  • Times

Why more Scottish farmers are becoming organic

John Medlock has been growing organic oats for half a century. The Mearns farmer admits the porridge from his crops does not necessarily taste any better but it is, he claims, a lot healthier. 'You might not be able to tell the difference,' he says. 'But your body will, because you are not eating all the chemicals.' Medlock and his family, who farm near Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, may have been among the first in Scotland to produce organic oats, but they are not the last. New figures show the amount of land devoted to the crop north of the border has nearly doubled since 2018, from 1,485 hectares to 2,608 last year. That is meeting a growing demand for premium oat milks, protein packed bars and on-the-go porridge pots. The increasing adoption of plant-based and vegan diets is another driver of cereal consumption.

Mounjaro prices double as weight loss jab popularity soars
Mounjaro prices double as weight loss jab popularity soars

Western Telegraph

timea day ago

  • Western Telegraph

Mounjaro prices double as weight loss jab popularity soars

US-based Eli Lilly says a 5mg dose will nearly double from £92 to £180 from September 1, while a 15mg pen will rise from £122 to £330. A Lilly spokesperson said: 'Following a review, Lilly will increase the UK list price for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from 1 September to address pricing inconsistencies compared to other developed countries, including in Europe. We have reached an agreement with the NHS to ensure continued supply and patient access." The statement continues: 'While Lilly does not determine the prices that private healthcare providers set, we are working with them to maintain patient access. The UK was one of the first countries where Lilly launched Mounjaro, and our priority was to bring it to patients as quickly as possible during a time of limited supply of GLP-1 RA treatments for type 2 diabetes. 'At launch, Lilly agreed to a UK list price that is significantly below the European average to prevent delays in NHS availability." More than 1.5 million people in the UK are believed to be using weight-loss medication each month, with most buying the jabs from private pharmacies. Mounjaro users report surprising side effect - pharmacists share their tips — Bucks Free Press (@bucksfreepress) August 8, 2025 This comes as the Government has joined forces with Eli Lilly in a bid to tackle obesity. The move could see patients accessing care at pharmacies or by using online platforms. The £85 million programme from Eli Lilly and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been designed to look at how obese patients can access weight management care more easily. This includes through community services, in pharmacies and online. Using these tools, eligible patients could be treated 'in a matter of months', according to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Under the agreement, the Government will contribute up to £50 million in UK-wide investment. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly will back the programme with £35 million, and NHS organisations will be able to apply for a share of the funding. Recommended reading: Mounjaro warning as pens ruined by heatwave temperatures This comes as users are risking having to throw away perfectly good Mounjaro pens as they have overheated in the recent heatwave. Improper storage of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro during a heatwave could destroy the active ingredient in these jabs, potentially wiping out their effects entirely, even if the medication looks completely normal. 'We recommend treating your weight-loss pen the same way you'd treat insulin or any critical medication,' says Danielle Brightman, Clinical Director at Numan. 'When in doubt, don't risk it. Speak to a healthcare professional and arrange a replacement.' 8 tips to protect Mounjaro and other weight-loss injections during hot weather Use a medical-grade cool bag. Transport your pen in a proper, insulated container designed for sensitive medications. Don't use improvised ice packs that might freeze the pen by accident. Never leave your pen in hot places. Even 10 minutes in a parked car or on a sunny kitchen counter could expose it to damaging heat if out of its delivery packaging or unrefrigerated. Always check the environment before setting it down. Store below 30°C once in use. Once opened and if not refrigerated, keep your pen in a shaded, ventilated area, away from heat sources, windows, and radiators. If you live in a flat or home without air conditioning, keep the pen in a bedroom or hallway that doesn't heat up from direct sun. Avoid storing near exterior walls if the property retains heat. Follow the usage timeline carefully. The storage instructions between medications. Wegovy after first use can last 6 weeks below 30 degrees then needs to be disposed of, whereas Mounjaro has a shorter time of 30 days below 30 degrees before needing to be disposed of. Stick to that timeframe, and if you're unsure whether it's still safe, consult your provider. Use a fridge thermometer at home. Fridge temperatures can fluctuate, especially in older models or over-packed shelves. A simple digital fridge thermometer can help ensure your pen is always stored between 2–8°C before first use. Planning to travel? Use airline-friendly cooling cases. If you're flying or taking long journeys, consider TSA-approved insulated medication pouches with cooling gel packs. Always store the pen in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage, as cargo holds can get hot or cold. Set storage reminders on your phone. If you're prone to forgetting where you left your pen, set daily reminders to check if it's stored properly, especially during heatwaves or while travelling. Don't store near appliances or steam sources. Keep pens away from kettles, toasters, ovens, dishwashers, and anywhere that might experience sudden heat or humidity, especially in small kitchens or shared spaces. Injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now widely used across the UK for appetite control and sustainable weight management. But despite their growing popularity and increasing availability now through the NHS, most patients don't realise the strict temperature guidelines that must be followed to keep these drugs effective. 'We speak to patients every day who are using GLP-1s for the first time,' says Danielle. 'With temperatures set to soar again this summer, it's crucial we raise awareness about safe medication storage. Heat damage isn't always obvious, but it can have a huge impact on effectiveness and safety."

Classic superfood diet eaten by millions has multiple health benefits
Classic superfood diet eaten by millions has multiple health benefits

Daily Mirror

timea day ago

  • Daily Mirror

Classic superfood diet eaten by millions has multiple health benefits

The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that has been associated with a number of health benefits. Now, a food expert has shared the 10 essential ingredients to include in the diet to help lower the risk of heart disease and premature death The famed Mediterranean diet is commonly found in European countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. It is favourite amongst dieticians and nutritionists worldwide for its health benefits and simplicity, and can aid with longevity. ‌ The diet features wholesome and fresh ingredients such as lean meat, fish, seasonal vegetables, and olive oil - and the latter has some solid health benefits. The best part of a Mediterranean diet? ‌ According to Phil Bianchi, food expert and founder of The Gift Of Oil, research indicates that it can slash the risk of heart disease by 25% and premature death by 23%. He has shared the must-have ingredients to include in your diet, which can easily be used to make a wide variety of dishes. ‌ 10 ingredients to ace the Mediterranean diet Olive oil All diets require fats, but swapping tempting fats with 'good' fats is crucial when following the Mediterranean diet. A 'good' fat is an unsaturated fat, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the top choice and most versatile to use across your meals, reports Wales Online. Oleocanthal in olive oil has numerous health benefits, including reducing bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of stroke, preventing the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's, decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, protecting against heart disease, and preventing the DNA damage that can trigger cancer. Balsamic vinegar Balsamic vinegar, paired perfectly with olive oil, is a fantastic ingredient to help you stick to the Mediterranean diet and ensure every meal is scrumptious. Ditch the extra sauces and opt for the simplicity of using oil and vinegar to dress and flavour any dish. Spinach Spinach is a top-notch superfood, much like many ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, boasting incredible health benefits such as reducing blood sugar, promoting good bone health and aiding weight loss, to name just a few. Spinach can be easily incorporated into a variety of meals from pasta and curries to salads and sandwiches, making it a true culinary chameleon . ‌ Fish A great source of protein, fish is the preferred choice for a meal in the Mediterranean diet. Typically sourced locally, it's incredibly fresh and delicious. Fish is lower in saturated fats compared to other meats so anything from mackerel to prawns can be used in your recipes. Pork When it comes to meat, it's always best to opt for lean options such as pork or chicken. Pork is often used in traditional Mediterranean dishes, but you can easily substitute pork for chicken in most recipes too. ‌ Brown rice Packed with dietary fibre and protein, brown rice has been shown to help lower cholesterol. Swap out white rice, chips and bread for lighter brown rice options. Whip up flavourful kebab bowls, salads or use as a simple side with lean protein. Chickpeas Chickpeas are a fantastic source of fibre and can be easily added to virtually any recipe in the Mediterranean diet. Chickpeas have been found to boost mental health - just like the abundant source of vitamin D found in Mediterranean countries. ‌ Feta No good Mediterranean diet is complete without some feta, which is also known to bolster bone and gut health. Many of us are guilty of heaping cheese on top of our dishes - put the parmesan and cheddar away and opt for some lighter, Med-approved feta instead. Tomato The humble tomato is one of the most versatile vegetables and it's perfect for the Mediterranean diet. Whether using tomato fresh in a salad or sandwich, or cooked down to create a mouthwatering sauce or dip, tomatoes are so useful in every cooking but especially great for the Med-diet. Pepper Just like tomatoes, peppers can be chopped, cooked, grilled or filled and go well with so many different ingredients. Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, which are associated with better health and protection against conditions like heart disease and cancer. Use these ingredients to make: Hummus dipping board - chickpeas, olive oil, feta to top and peppers to dip. Tomato chicken skillet - roast chicken cooked in a tomato sauce with peppers and olive oil to drizzle. Stuffed peppers - red bell peppers stuffed with chicken or pork mince and tomato sauce with a balsamic glaze.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store