Pall-Ex teams up with Vista for eye health drive

Pall-Ex has teamed up with local sight loss charity Vista as part of a new health drive at its Leicestershire hub.

The logistics giant invited the leading charity for people with sight loss to visit the Coalville hub with its fully equipped mobile support service bus to promote the importance of good eye health to its workforce.

Office staff and forklift operators from Pall-Ex and HGV drivers from its network members all took advantage of the opportunity to have their eyes screened.

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.

Pall-Ex 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.”

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.”