Eye health · Bear Flat
Carotenoid screening
Quick. Painless. Free.
A quick, painless check of the protective pigments in your eyes, with practical advice for looking after your vision, from the team at your local pharmacy.
Next clinic · Free
Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September, 9am to 1pm at the pharmacy. Register below and we'll be in touch to arrange your visit.
Awareness first
Know where your eye health stands
Carotenoids are natural pigments found in colourful fruit and vegetables. They help protect the back of your eye from light and oxidative stress.
Our quick screening checks these protective pigments, so you know where you stand and what you can do about it.
- Simple and painless, nothing invasive and no drops
- Only takes a few minutes
- No referral needed
We run screening in dedicated sessions through the year rather than every day. Register your interest and we'll message you when the next dates are coming up.
Register your interest
Be first to hear about the next screening dates
What is ArMD?
Why your macula deserves attention
Age-related macular degeneration (ArMD) is a common eye condition that usually first affects people from their 50s.
The macula
The part of your eye responsible for sharp, central vision, everything you look at directly.
What ArMD does
Over time it can cause a gradual loss of central vision, making reading or recognising faces more difficult.
Why check early
The change is gradual and easy to miss. Early awareness and regular eye checks help identify changes sooner.
Know your risk
Some risk factors can't be controlled
You can't change these, but knowing they apply to you is a good reason to keep a closer eye on your macular health.
Age
ArMD usually first affects people from their 50s onwards.
Family history
Having a close relative with ArMD increases your risk.
Gender
Some groups are affected more often than others.
Ethnicity
Background can influence how likely ArMD is to develop.
What you can do
There's still plenty in your control
Eat well
Focus on colourful fruit and vegetables. The natural pigments they contain help support the back of your eye.
Consider carotenoid supplements
If your diet falls short, supplements can help top up the pigments your macula relies on. Ask us what's suitable for you.
Protect your eyes
Sunglasses and a hat on bright days reduce the light stress your eyes are exposed to.
Don't smoke
Smoking is one of the biggest controllable risk factors for macular degeneration.
Learn more
Trusted information on ArMD and eye health
NHS
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and living with AMD.
Visit site →
NHS
Free NHS eye tests
Who qualifies for a free sight test and optical vouchers.
Visit site →
NHS
Why 5 A Day?
The evidence behind eating more fruit and vegetables.
Visit site →
Macular Society
Beating macular disease
The UK charity for anyone affected by macular conditions.
Visit site →
Curious about your carotenoid levels?
Register your interest and we'll let you know when the next session is coming up. A pharmacy check supports awareness; it doesn't replace routine eye tests at your optician. If your vision changes suddenly, seek urgent advice from an optician or call NHS 111.