Balmoral Show 2024: Interview with Gillian, Sheep 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.
Meet Gillian: A Farmer’s Perspective
Allow us to introduce Gillian, one of our optometrists here at Cathedral Eye Clinic, who brings a unique perspective to this conversation as both a vision care professional and a part-time sheep farmer. Gillian was introduced to farming several years ago when she met her now husband, David. Since then, Gillian has seamlessly integrated farming into her daily routine, finding solace and joy amidst the beautiful picturesque landscapes. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “If you’ve had a really busy day at work, it’s lovely to come home and head out for a walk around the fields, have a look at the sheep, especially now when we’ve got all the lambs around, have a go out, feed some of the lambs and just see them bouncing about in the fields.”
The Challenges and Rewards of Farm Life
Despite the demands of her dual roles, Gillian finds life on the farm fulfilling. “Well, for me, I probably get the easy life,” she admits. “I can just come in when I come back to work and nip out and feed some of the pet lambs and just keep an eye on some of the triplets.” However, she’s well aware of the daily challenges that come with farm life, including the constant monitoring of the animals and the land.
Emphasising Clear Vision for Farm Safety
When discussing the dangers of farming, Gillian reinforced the critical importance of clear eyesight, particularly during tasks like lamb birthings that often occur at night. “I think it’s really important to have clear sight around the farm” she explains. “If you look at all the hazards that it can be around the farm with health and safety, you need to be able to see what’s going on, especially when a lot of the lamb birthings happening during the night. It’s important to know where you are and also to be able to look at all the cute faces when they appear!”
Practical Challenges Associated with Glasses and Contact Lenses on the Farm.
Gillian also highlighted the practical challenges posed by wearing glasses or contacts on the farm, especially in adverse weather conditions. “If you’ve got a pair of glasses and it’s raining, it’s just a nightmare ,” she notes. “they’re always getting in the way. So it’s a lot more convenient to not have to worry about glasses when you’re out doing your day to day work on the farm.”
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.
