Latest news with #KerrilHickey
BreakingNews.ie
27-05-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Specsavers to offer free tea and coffee to Dublin commuters
Specsavers have announced that they will be offering free tea and coffee to commuters in the Dublin area this week. From May 27th until May 29th, between 8-11am at Central Plaza, Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, commuters can swing by the Specsavers coffee van for a complimentary tea or coffee. Advertisement The company have said the initiative is not just about a free tea or coffee, but is a chance to think about what perks employees may be missing out on at work. They said workers may be entitled to free eye tests and glasses from their employers if employees spend more than one hour a day using screens for work. Kerril Hickey, chairman of Specsavers Ireland, said that although we all know that the first coffee of the day is essential, so is your eye health. "We hope this will open up the conversation on eye health in the workplace and encourage people to talk to their employers about their corporate eyecare entitlements, all while enjoying their morning cuppa." Advertisement The Specsavers team will be on hand to discuss all things eyecare, and will drop a few hints about what employees should be asking their bosses for, like eyecare vouchers. Specsavers said that for just €25, employers can provide an eye test and up to €100 towards selected glasses. The company also said that Specsavers corporate eyecare vouchers "offer responsible employers an easy, cost-effective way to stay on stop of their responsibilities, and at the same time, make sure employees can avoid unnecessary discomfort at work." They added that it is a "simple way to keep everyone happy and healthy and look after their team."
BreakingNews.ie
24-04-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish children spend too much time indoors and on screens, Specsavers says
As Irish children are spending more and more time indoors, glued to screens, Specsavers are launching a new campaign to drive awareness of the growing issue of childhood myopia, or short-sightedness. The campaign urges parents to take early action, with experts warning that too much screen time and too little natural daylight are key risk factors in the development of myopia, a condition rising globally. Advertisement Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Globally, the prevalence of myopia is increasing, and childhood myopia is becoming a significant public health concern, Specsavers said. While concerns are growing about the potential impact of screen time on children's health, the specific effects on eye health may not be widely understood. There is a general awareness that excessive screen time could be detrimental to children's eyesight, but knowledge of specific warning signs, such as squinting, headaches, or sitting too close to screens, may be limited. Advertisement Chair of Specsavers Ireland, Kerril Hickey, said: 'Children's eyes are still developing, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of extended screen use. 'The good news is that early action really can make a difference. Regular eye tests are vital in spotting the signs of myopia early and can help slow its progression. 'While passive screen time dominates children's indoor habits, with TV, gaming and scrolling topping the list, more traditional activities are in decline, like playing with physical toys and reading books regularly.' Time outdoors Specsavers said spending more time outside has been shown to support healthy eye development, yet many children are not getting enough daylight as part of their daily routine. Advertisement Symptoms such as headaches and eye rubbing have been observed in children who spend significant time using screens. Other signs that may be associated with excessive screen time include eye strain, sore eyes, and difficulty seeing the board at school. 'Our optometrists see first-hand the impact prolonged screen use is having on children's eye health,' Hickey warned. 'We're encouraging parents to look out for early signs of myopia and to prioritise time outdoors, which has been shown to help protect children's vision. 'We want to empower families with knowledge and encourage them to take that first step by booking a free eye test, available for children under 12 in Ireland. 'One key tip to remember is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. With myopia cases rising, early diagnosis has never been more important.'
