IN the UK’s 13th Brain Tumour Awareness Week a local opticians is urging everyone to make sure they have regular eye tests as they can check more than just your vision. 

Evidence suggests our eye health isn’t something we pay close enough attention to as a quarter say they don’t have a checkup every two years.

Paul Shimell, optometristat Specsavers, said: “Many people don’t realise that a sight test can check more than just your vision and that it can pick up other health concerns, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and brain tumours. 

“In fact, only 61 per cent of people are aware that an optician can detect some types of brain tumours . That is why ensuring you have regular eye checks so at least once every two years or more often if recommended by your optician is so important.”

The International Brain Training Alliance are encouraging people to organise an activity which will contribute to increasing awareness.

The week runs until Saturday and aims to highlight particular challenges of brain tumours, the need for a special response and an increased research effort.