There’s something powerful about a community coming together to support one another, especially when it comes to something as vital as vision health. Refocus had the privilege of sponsoring and attending the Eye Health Fair in Manchester, hosted by UR Community Cares—an event that brought together people from all walks of life to learn, connect, and gain access to important eye care resources.
From those navigating visual impairments to individuals seeking information on age-related vision changes and conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal diseases, the fair was a hub of knowledge and support. It was more than an event—it was a space where people could ask questions, share their experiences, and find new ways to care for their sight.
A special thank you to the incredibly talented Taryn Kimball for all her efforts to coordinate our meaningful participation.
A Closer Look: Who Attended the Fair?
One of the most incredible aspects of the Eye Health Fair was the diverse range of attendees. Vision health isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and the variety of individuals we met reflected that reality.
- People with Visual Impairments: Some were completely blind, others had low vision, and some were deaf with low vision, facing the unique challenge of managing both hearing and sight loss.
- Corrective Lens Users: We met individuals who relied on glasses, contacts, or a combination of both—while others were lucky enough to still have 20/20 vision.
- Refractive Errors: Conditions like farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism were common, with many attendees benefiting from corrective lenses. Some had undergone treatment to achieve clear vision.
- Age-Related Changes: For many, their vision had shifted with time. Some had adjusted to using reading glasses, while others continued driving with no restrictions.
It was a reminder that vision health isn’t just about treating diseases—it’s also about adapting to natural changes and finding solutions that help people maintain their quality of life.
Common Eye Conditions: Awareness & Early Detection
The fair placed a strong emphasis on education and early detection, and for good reason. Many of the attendees were either living with an eye condition or at risk for developing one.
Some of the most frequently discussed concerns included:
🔹 Cataracts – A clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can blur vision. Many attendees had undergone cataract surgery, which remains one of the most successful procedures for restoring sight.
🔹 Glaucoma – Often called the "silent thief of sight," this condition can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Many individuals at the fair had been diagnosed with glaucoma and were managing it with medications or surgery.
🔹 Retinal Issues – The retina is a delicate, light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, and problems with it can be severe. We spoke with individuals dealing with retinal detachments, blood clots, and CRVO (Central Retinal Vein Occlusion)—conditions that require urgent care to prevent blindness.
🔹 Macular Degeneration – A major cause of central vision loss, this condition affects millions, particularly older adults. Some attendees were managing dry macular degeneration, while others had severe dry eye, which can significantly impact daily comfort.
🔹 Rare Genetic Conditions – A few attendees were living with LCA (Leber Congenital Amaurosis) and Retinitis Pigmentosa, both of which are inherited conditions that gradually reduce vision.
For many, the fair provided valuable insights into treatment options, assistive technologies, and ways to improve daily life despite vision challenges.
Refocus: Engaging with the Community
One of the most rewarding parts of the event was the opportunity for our team at Refocus to engage directly with attendees. Our table became a space where people stopped by to ask questions, share their experiences, and explore resources designed to improve vision accessibility.
We talked about everything from the importance of routine eye exams to the latest advancements in vision care. Some conversations were deeply personal—stories of frustration, resilience, and hope.
For many individuals, simply having access to information and support made a world of difference. Whether it was a discussion about how to adapt to vision loss or where to find assistive devices, we were honored to play a role in connecting people with the right tools and knowledge.
Why Events Like This Matter
Eye health is often overlooked until something goes wrong, but vision care should be proactive, not reactive. That’s why community-driven events like the Eye Health Fair are so important.
1️⃣ They Raise Awareness – Many people don’t realize they have an eye condition until it starts impacting their daily life. Education is the first step toward prevention and treatment.
2️⃣ They Encourage Early Detection – Regular eye exams can catch diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration early, before significant vision loss occurs.
3️⃣ They Provide Resources – Access to specialists, support groups, assistive technology, and treatment options can change lives.
4️⃣ They Create Community – Living with vision loss can feel isolating, but events like this remind people that they are not alone.