Tricia Sail shares how a strong spirit and sense of adventure, helps her navigate daily life and propelled her, together with best-friend Cathie Rowe, to cross the finish line first in BBC TV’s Race Across The World S3.

What prompted you to apply for the Race Across the World?

I absolutely loved watching seasons 1 and 2 of RATW and thought it would be an epic adventure. I also wanted to show people that if you’ve got sight loss it doesn’t stop you. You can still do stuff with visual impairment.

You have significant sight loss, how does your condition affect your vision and how did it impact you as you raced 16,000km across Canada?

I suffer from a severe form of Uveitis. At the time of filming, I had about 10% vision in each eye. This made it impossible for me to do things like map reading or driving. But Cathie is amazing. She supported me the whole way and I used Harry Cane (my white stick!) to guide me.

I also had this digital camera that I used to take pictures of the landscape or bears or stunning things along the way. Then I would zoom in on the pictures so I could get a look at what others has seen.

What was the most difficult situation you faced during the race?

I did get really anxious in city centres when I couldn’t make shapes out. Something could be a group of people, a letterbox or a car!

What was you most memorable moment?

There were so many ‘pinch-me’ moments. A bear on the roadside. It was magnificent! Also seeing the sunset in Churchill as Cathie and I sat on the frozen sea with our legs dangling in an ice hole.

How’s life changed since the race?

My life is dramatically different. My anxiety is nowhere near as bad as it was, my self-belief has gone flying through the roof. I also have a new job as community connections coordinator for RNIB.

What’s next?

In October, Cathie and I are doing a 5-day trek on the Great Wall of China with Zainib and Mobeen. Then next year all the contestants from Series 3 are joining up to do the Manchester 10K. We’ve all stayed in touch and are friends for life.

Are you watching Celebrity Race Across the World?

I am, and I’m loving it!

What advice for others living with low vision.

Be kind to yourself. I’ve been learning to live with poor sight and can still function the same as if I had it, it just takes me a little longer to do things.

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The average life expectancy in the UK is 81 years. However, a healthy life expectancy is just 63 years. We think about how to protect ourselves from issues such as heart disease and cancer, but taking care of our vision also plays a vital role in helping us live well for longer.

Visual impairment doesn’t just make day-to-day life difficult, it’s also associated with poor mental and physical health, including increased risk of hip fracture, depression, anxiety and dementia. Poor eyesight is not inevitable. Research shows a quarter of over-75s who experience vision impairment merely needed a new eyewear prescription while 27% had easily treatable cataracts.

NHS eye care and available support

Regular eye tests are vital to ensure any prescription is up to date and eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, or conditions like dry eye, are detected early to ensure the most effective treatment. Eye tests are free on the NHS for many, including all over-60s. Vouchers towards the cost of prescription eyewear are also available for those on low incomes, as are ‘at-home’ eye tests for those with reduced mobility or psychological issues. Contact your local optician for details of eligibility for NHS eye care services.

Eye tests are free on the NHS
for many, including all over-60s.

Top tips for healthy eyes

There are lots of simple things you can do to keep your eyes healthy:
• Regular sight tests
• Quit smoking: Smokers are up to four times more likely to lose their sight than non-smokers
• Wear sunglasses: Cumulative UV exposure increases your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts
• Eat healthy: Eye-friendly nutrients in fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts and oils can all help protect your sight and relieve dry eye
• Watch your weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma
• Be active: Being physically active has been shown to reduce your risk of visual impairment by 58% versus somebody with a sedentary lifestyle.

Be eye aware

Awareness that some common age-related health conditions carry an increased risk of vision impairment is low – only one in five (19%) Brits are aware of a connection between low vision and Parkinson’s and one in seven (16%) of a link with Alzheimer’s. Understanding these associations can help prevent avoidable sight loss and improve quality of life.

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Dry eye affects one in four people in the UK, and that number is on the rise. In fact, it has been described as a modern global epidemic,¹ but there are ways to manage it.

Dry eye — a condition that causes the eye to become dry and irritated — is more common in people over the age of 50. This is because the glands that make tears, which help your eyes to stay lubricated, don’t work as well when we age.

What causes dry eye?

Some general health conditions can also cause dry eye as a side effect, such as autoimmune diseases. Hormonal changes can also be a factor. In the last few years, we’ve seen an increasing number of younger patients presenting with dry eye symptoms — a result of the Covid-19 pandemic where people spent more time on screens — both due to working from home and social isolation.

The glands that make tears, which help your eyes to stay lubricated, don’t work as well when we age.

Know your dry eye symptoms

Some patients come to see an optometrist, and it’s obvious they are struggling with dry eye; but not every case is straightforward. Some patients may experience all, or a few, common symptoms.

Symptoms range from very mild to severe. Some patients will have sore, red eyes. For others, it may impact vision, making it difficult to do daily tasks without a regular regime of eye drops and other treatments to help relieve discomfort. Most patients will have one or more of the following: 

• A sandy or gritty feeling or sore eyes
• Uncomfortable and sometimes painful eyes
• An itching or burning sensation
• Short-term blurred vision
• Watery eyes

Environment matters

Where you live and work can have an impact. Dry eye is more common in windy, cold, dry and dusty conditions. Several studies have also highlighted that air pollution is a factor. Air conditioning and central heating also worsen symptoms. It’s important to be aware of your environment and how this may contribute.

Treatment options available

Dry eye tends to be a long-term condition, which requires ongoing treatment. There are many types of drops and gels that can help your eyes feel more comfortable. Look out for an ingredient called sodium hyaluronate, known to be effective. Avoid those that contain preservatives.

It’s important to use the correct type of drops — the wrong drops are unlikely to cause harm, but they won’t help much. If it isn’t working, your optometrist can offer advice and other treatment options.

[1] Donthineni PR, Shanbhag SS, Basu S. An Evidence-Based Strategic Approach to Prevention and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease, a Modern Global Epidemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2021 9(1):89

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Two-thirds of people who wear glasses say they are currently ‘putting off going to the opticians’ due to the cost of living crisis while 36% are wearing out-of-date prescriptions.¹ One-fifth (19%) said they even rely on broken glasses.

Sight tests are essential

Sight tests should be every two years — or more often if recommended by an optometrist. Eyes require just as much care as the body, but we’re beginning to see many people wait until they notice significant problems before going to their optometrist because of increasing expenses.

In our latest Voice of Optometry survey of 876 optometrists, 7 in 10 said they have seen a patient in the last three months who needed vision correction but took no action because they couldn’t afford it.

Tests are for more than just blurry vision

A sight test is beneficial not just for checking your vision but for detecting early signs of eye conditions and underlying health conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes. Getting one should be seen as a necessity and not a luxury.

Sight tests should be every two years — or more often if recommended by an optometrist.

Eye care access routes

Support is available to many people who need it. A fully-funded sight test is available through the NHS if you are aged 60 or over or if you receive certain means-tested benefits. Young people are also entitled. People under 16 (or under 18 and in full-time education); on leave from prison; or prescribed complex lenses can get a voucher for glasses.

For those who don’t qualify, some employers may fund eye care and contribute to the cost of glasses or contact lenses. While there is help available, many people struggle to cope with rising costs, which is why we have been calling for changes to the NHS optical voucher so that it reflects the impact of inflation on eyewear costs.

[1] Research carried out online among 1,002 people in the UK who either require vision correction (852 respondents), believe they require vision correction (120) or are responsible for a family member who requires vision correction (30). The fieldwork took place in October 2022 and adhered to MRS guidelines.

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More than 1 million people were referred to an eye specialist from January to June 2023, and the average waiting time in England for a first outpatient ophthalmology appointment is 8.1 weeks.

Any amount of time waiting to see an eye specialist can be a difficult period. You may have questions about what will happen at your appointment or about your potential eye condition, and it’s difficult to know where to turn. Everyone’s experience is different; your journey and needs are unique. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is here to support you at every step.

Early detection of eye concerns

If you’re worried about any aspect of your eyesight and haven’t already seen an optometrist (often called ‘optician’), it’s important that you do. It’s the best way to check if your eyes are healthy and detect any problems early so that you can get any treatment you may need. On many occasions, nothing of concern is found, and you can be quickly reassured. At least 50% of sight loss can be avoided if eye conditions are detected early.

Everyone should have a routine eye test at least every two years. Particularly as you get older, you might need to get your eyes checked more often — or if you have other factors that put you at increased risk of developing a particular eye condition.

Help while you wait for an appointment

If your optometrist thinks there may be a problem with your eyes that needs more investigation or possibly treatment, they’ll refer you to the right person: a specialist optometrist, hospital eye clinic or your GP. When you are waiting for a possible diagnosis, the sense of not knowing can impact many areas of your life: employment; going out; social activities. This National Eye Health Week (18–24 September), RNIB has put together a set of resources to help anyone waiting for a possible diagnosis.

Everyone should have a routine eye test at least every two years.

No one should go through an eye condition diagnosis without support, so RNIB has created resources bringing together information about services, emotional support and practical advice for attending hospital appointments and staying independent to help give you confidence as you wait.

Worried about your eyes?

Diagnosis can be an emotional experience. It often leaves people feeling confused, overwhelmed and anxious about what comes next. Waiting isn’t easy; but by reaching people as early as possible in their sight loss journey, they can be empowered with information and support to wait well.

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Cataracts are a common eye condition with readily available treatment. The only way to get rid of them, however, is through quick and painless cataract surgery.

Cataracts can significantly impact your daily life, but the good news is that effective treatment is readily available. As the condition is so common, it’s important to know what cataracts are, how they can affect your quality of life and the transformative benefits of cataract surgery.

How the eye changes with cataracts

The natural lens in your eye contains proteins that change as you age. The first sign of this is often that you need reading glasses because the lens becomes stiff and unable to focus as well as it used to. Eventually, these changes cause the lens to become cloudy and lose its transparency — this is a cataract. Cataracts typically develop gradually and get worse over time, as part of ageing, but can also be caused by factors like genetics, certain medications or previous eye injuries.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Symptoms include:

• Blurred or misty vision
• Difficulty driving at night
• Difficulty watching television and reading
• Finding yourself dazzled by sunlight and bright lights, such as car headlights
• Frequent changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription 

How do cataracts affect everyday life? 

The effects can be significant, with symptoms making activities like reading, driving, watching television and enjoying outdoor scenery a challenge. You can struggle to see detail, particularly when the contrast is poor or light levels are low. Cataracts can diminish your quality of life and limit your independence — but, fortunately, cataract surgery is widely available.

Cataract surgery can be a life-changing procedure, helping you to see the world in a whole new light.

The benefits of cataract surgery

Cataract surgery has a very high success rate and is the most common operation performed in the UK. During the surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), tailored to your vision needs. This procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes and is virtually painless.

Eye drops are used to numb your eye before the surgery, which is performed as a ‘day case’ — meaning you can go home on the same day. After surgery, you’ll be able to get back to doing the hobbies you love, enjoy television and reading and feel safer driving at night. You’re also less likely to experience trips and falls. 

Recovery after cataract surgery

The recovery period following cataract surgery is relatively short. Most patients experience improved vision within a day or two, and any discomfort is typically mild and temporary. You’ll be able to resume most activities within a week. Some people find that they no longer need glasses for certain activities while others may still benefit from them for specific tasks.

Cataract surgery can be a life-changing procedure, helping you to see the world in a whole new light. If you suspect you have cataracts or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, book an appointment with your optometrist as soon as possible. 

Choose the right hospital for cataract surgery

SpaMedica’s dedicated eye hospitals specialise in NHS cataract surgery. Our waiting times are just four to eight weeks — well below national averages. All of our hospitals inspected by the Care Quality Commission (the independent regulator of health and social care in England) have been graded as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding.’

We put patient care at the heart of everything we do, which is why we have received over 13,000 five-star patient reviews on the NHS website. We offer a free transport service for patients who don’t have anyone to drive them to and from their appointments — and with 50 hospitals across the country, you won’t have to travel far.

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Dedicating one minute of your time to learning about glaucoma could potentially save your sight in the future.

For National Eye Health Week 2023, Glaucoma UK is encouraging people to dedicate one minute of their time to learning about glaucoma, which could save their sight in the future.

Save your sight from glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of common eye diseases that slowly damage the nerve that takes information from your eye to your brain. Left untreated, glaucoma causes gradual sight loss. With early detection and treatment, most people with glaucoma keep good sight for life.

Some people are at higher risk

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but it gets more likely as you get older. You’re at higher risk if you have a close family member with glaucoma or you’re from an African-Caribbean or East Asian ethnic background.

Treatments for glaucoma slow down
future sight loss, but any sight loss
you already have is permanent.

Silent thief of sight

Most glaucoma develops slowly, without symptoms early on, making it hard to notice sight being lost. Routine eye tests at your local high street optician check for signs of glaucoma, and they’re the only way to detect glaucoma early.

Slow down sight loss

Treatments for glaucoma slow down future sight loss, but any sight loss you already have is permanent. The most common treatments are laser treatment or eye drops. Early diagnosis and treatment help make sure you have good sight for life.

How to protect your sight

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but you can protect your sight. Go for routine eye tests at your local high street optician at least once every two years — unless you’re advised differently by a medical professional — so that if you have glaucoma, you can start treatment early. If you have any concerns about your sight, make an appointment at your local high street optician or contact the eye clinic.

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Myopia is a growing problem for young people with long-term eye health risks. Find out about the latest treatment and how it could protect your child.

Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, affects around 3 in 10 adults in the UK. With myopia, distant objects appear blurry while close work is usually clear. Research shows myopia will affect nearly half the world’s population by 2050. In the UK, myopia is more than twice as prevalent in children compared to the 1960s.

Why myopia is affecting more children

In most cases, myopia occurs because the eye continues to grow in length beyond what is needed for best vision. It’s not clear what causes this, but factors include ethnicity; your parents being myopic; and what you are using your vision for. Research has shown that time outdoors can slow the onset and progression of myopia while close work can have a negative effect.

Take your children for regular
eye tests from a young age.

Associated risks of myopia

The World Health Organization recognises the health issues of myopia. Cataracts, retinal detachment, glaucoma and macula problems are all associated with high myopia. However, interventions are now available to control the increase in myopia in children. Eye care professionals worldwide are becoming increasingly proactive in recommending myopia management to patients and their parents.

Regular eye tests and myopia management

Your child’s prescription at an early age can show if they might be at risk. Take your children for regular eye tests from a young age — they don’t need to be able to read to have a sight test, and the cost of the test is covered by the NHS. In the UK, specially designed spectacle lenses are now available, which aim to reduce the increase in length that causes the increase in short-sightedness. Specialist contact lenses designed to do the same thing are also available on every high street.

Myopia progression is at pandemic levels worldwide and will have serious implications for eye health going forward. Solutions are available at high street opticians across the UK. Ask to speak to the dispensing optician about myopia management and if it will benefit your child. Remember to include regular eye tests as part of your family’s healthcare routine.

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The optical profession is leaping ahead in becoming more sustainable. Find out what you can do with your old specs and contact lenses and how your optician can help.

Manufacturers are working on ways to ensure that the materials in eyewear are as eco-friendly as possible. You can now find wood or bamboo frames and plastic ones made from recycled bottles or reclaimed ocean plastic. There are new lenses on offer made with less plastic, electricity and water, as well as spec cases made from recycled bottles — making your eyewear more sustainable all around.

Impact of your eyes on sustainability

You may be concerned about whether contact lenses are a sustainable choice. Recent research has shown that full-time contact lens wear creates a tiny fraction of the 412 kg of household waste generated per person, per year, in the United Kingdom — just 0.20-0.26% or 0.824–1.0712 kg per year.

Used contact lenses should never be disposed of down the sink or lavatory. If you use reusable contact lenses, you can recycle 78% of waste at home. If you have daily disposable lenses, save your lenses and packaging, and take them all to an optical practice with a recycling point.

Used contact lenses should never be
disposed of down the sink or lavatory.

How to recycle your old specs

Did you know you can recycle your specs, too? In the past, eyeglasses have been collected to send overseas. However, charities have changed to improve training for eye care professionals in these countries, so used specs are no longer needed.

At the same time, there has been an increase in UK companies assisting opticians to recycle frames and lenses. Opticians can now purchase a box to collect your old glasses and send them to be separated into different materials. The metals can be reused and the plastics melted down to create furniture-board. So, if you have a drawer full of unused eyewear, ask your local optician if they will pass them on.

Opt for specs that are built to last

As well as recycling, we need to think about reusing and repairing specs. It can be worth buying a better-quality frame that will last you longer than a cheaper option that will need to be replaced in a couple of years. Ask your dispensing optician for advice on repairs and reglazing frames too.

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Recent research shows that people are avoiding a visit to the optometrist based on the potential costs. However, eye support is available for some.

Our research at the College of Optometrists* showed that 50% of people say that the cost of living will have an impact on how they care for their eyes in the future. A further 22% of people have admitted to postponing or cancelling an appointment in the past year based due to cost.

Eye support through NHS-funded tests

People need to be aware of the ways to access sight tests and necessary eyewear. It’s troubling to know that people’s eye health may be impacted by the cost of living crisis. We urge anyone due a sight test or with any eye problems, such as a change in vision, to prioritise it and contact an optometrist for advice.

Eye tests don’t have to be expensive; some people are entitled to an NHS-funded sight test. However, only 50% of respondents are aware that people under 16 are entitled to them, and only 48% realise that sight tests are funded for those over 60.

Don’t delay eye test appointments

Our research also showed that one in five (21%) are concerned they will have to delay booking sight tests for themselves or their children until they can afford any necessary glasses or lenses. Early detection of eye problems is very important, especially for children. We urge parents not to be put off by cost; even if your child does need glasses, they will be entitled to an NHS optical voucher to help towards the cost.

Early detection of eye problems is
very important, especially for children.

Who can access NHS-funded sight tests

Many people can access an NHS-funded sight test. While access is universal in Scotland, eligibility varies across the rest of the UK, so contact your local optometrist for more information. In general, you are entitled to an NHS-funded sight test if you are:

• Aged under 16 or aged between 16 and 18 and in full-time education
• Aged 60 or over
• Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• Aged 40 or over and have a first-degree relative with glaucoma
• Deemed at risk of developing glaucoma
• Registered blind or partially sighted
• Have a complex lens prescription
• On certain benefits or low income

Emergency eye concerns

Even if you are not due for a sight test but have eye health concerns, such as a sudden red eye, many practices offer an NHS-funded emergency eye service where you can get diagnosed and treated quickly. Contact an optometrist right away if you experience worrying symptoms.

*Research conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of The College of Optometrists in May 2023

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