Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Pallet Distribution Group Teams Up With Sight Charity to Promote Good Eye Health

Eyesight Vital to the Road Haulage Industry
Shipping News Feature

UK – To any company involved in road haulage the eyesight of its drivers is obviously of paramount importance and now pallet distribution group Pall-Ex has teamed up with local sight loss charity Vista as part of a new health drive at its Leicestershire hub. The company invited the leading charity for people with sight loss to visit the Coalville facility with its fully equipped mobile support service bus to promote the importance of good eye health to its workforce.

According to a report from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), 27% of UK adults, 14 million people, haven't had an eye test in the last two years. Many of these could be at risk of preventable sight loss, such as diabetics and people with glaucoma in their family history. Over 50% of sight loss is due to treatable or preventable causes.

However, a sight test is not just about checking vision, it can identify other health conditions. Whilst not a substitute for a full eye test, Vista’s eye screenings take users through a series of simple exercises to see if there may be an issue with a person’s sight. Shilpa Gokani, Marketing Manager at Vista, says:

“We want to reinforce the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all. We want people to know how important it is to look after their eyes and the need to have them checked regularly.”

Now Pall-Ex, formed in 1996 by renowned entrepreneur Hilary Devey CBE, is supporting Vista with a donation and is raising additional money through a bake sale, incorporating foods for improved eye health such as carrots, nuts, citrus fruits and sweet potato. Staff are also donating items to help stock Vista’s Leicester charity shops in; Loughborough, Rothley, Syston, Wigston, Shepshed and Oakham. Stephen Parkes, Director of Operations at Pall-Ex, comments:

“Health and safety is paramount at Pall-Ex and we want to ensure we focus on the health part as much as the safety. That’s why we are introducing supportive measures like the Vista bus to remind our staff that keeping on top of their general health is vital. Eye health is essential to various roles within Pall-Ex, so the bus has been giving our workforce a glimpse into their eye health and advising on whether they should book an optician’s appointment.

“Health and safety is a key component of Pall-Ex’s quality operation. After being shortlisted for the Motor Transport award for health and safety we want to continue our mission to be a quality place for people to work, learn and thrive.”

Vista provides support and services to almost 12,000 children and adults with sight loss throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. As well as rehabilitation, social groups, befriending and residential services, Vista also provide specialist services for people with learning disabilities, dementia and dual sensory impairment.