Balmoral Show 2024: Interview with Chris, Cattle Farmer, on the importance of Clear Vision and the Everyday Risks Associated with Contacts or Glasses on the Farm
As the countdown to the Balmoral Show begins, our partnership with the Ulster Farmers Union gains increased significance as we delve into a crucial conversation regarding farm safety. Throughout Northern Ireland, we’ve been actively connecting with farmers, engaging in discussions to better understand the significance of clear vision in their day-to-day farming activities.
A Farmer’s Perspective
In the tranquil countryside of County Tyrone, amidst the rolling hills and grazing livestock, Christopher Crawford balances two distinct roles: Part Time Farmer and Principal Optometrist at Cathedral Eye Clinic. His journey into farming began on his family’s beef and sheep farm, where he learned the value of hard work and the significance of clear sight in agricultural activities.
Christopher Crawford: Farming Background
Christopher’s connection to farming is deeply rooted in his upbringing on the family farm. Reflecting on his experience, Christopher shares, “Ever since I could walk, my dad would bring me out to the farm, if that was sitting in the wheelbarrow or to help stand at the gate as he was moving cattle.”
The Importance of Clear Vision on the Farm
Clear vision is not just a luxury but a necessity on the farm, as Christopher emphasises. “Yeah, day to day clear vision’s so important. From operating heavy machinery to dosing and vaccinating, the herd, it’s really important to be able to see small print on the bottles. but also just day to day pointing out risks. And also enjoying the lovely scenery and countryside that we live in as well. It’s always so important.” From operating heavy machinery to dosing and vaccinating the herd, clear sight is crucial for ensuring efficient and safe farm operations. Christopher underscores the practical challenges posed by wearing glasses or contacts on the farm, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Enhancing Farm Safety Through Regular Eye Checkups
Regular eye checkups are paramount for maintaining optimal vision health, Christopher stresses. “Yeah, I think it’s really important to have regular eye checkups and know how good your vision is. And when you’re on a farm and you’re behind the wheel of, heavy machinery or out in the farm trying to read things, like your herd book, it’s just really helpful to have good vision, and make sure you’re not making mistakes as well that could end up, affecting your life or, affecting your herd as well. So, it’s really important to have clear vision day to day.” Therefore, in a profession where every detail matters, having good vision can prevent mistakes that could impact both the farmer’s life and the well-being of the herd.
The Solution: SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
Cathedral Eye Clinic are the exclusive provider in Ireland of SMILE laser eye surgery as a tailored solution for farmers, ensuring they can navigate the demands of farm life with safety whilst reducing key risk factors associated with poor eyesight.
The main benefits of SMILE laser eye surgery to farmers are:
- Quickest recovery times in the industry: enabling a prompt return to daily farming duties.
- 20:20 vision and improved clarity, helping to reduce accidents on the farm.
- Removal of the inconvenience and risks with glasses and contacts
- Reduced risk of complications compared to other conventional Laser Eye Surgery Procedures.
