Tipperary legend launches 'The Vision Van' which combats preventable blindness across Ireland

Every day in Ireland, 18 people begin to lose their eyesight, yet 70% of blindness is preventable through early detection and treatment. To tackle this worrying trend and raise awareness about the importance of good eye health, Vision Ireland has proudly launched the Vision Van service. 

In order to facilitate early screening for various eye conditions, Harris Group, Ireland's pre-eminent distributor of commercial vehicles, generously donated a state-of-the-art mobile unit, which provides vital public education and awareness. 

A staple vehicle from Harris Group’s range of electric vehicles, the Maxus eDeliver 9 is equipped with screens and tools for detecting eye conditions, including an Amsler grid for recognising the early stages of AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration), the most common cause of blindness in Ireland in people over the age of 50.

The Vision Van will also provide simulation services through virtual reality and information to the public on various other eye conditions.

Former Irish Paralympian Peter Ryan officially launched the Vision Van today along with sponsor Denise Harris, CEO of the Harris Group, at their headquarters on the Naas Road in Dublin.

The donation was also significantly helped by Peter Ryan’s fundraising run from Malin to Mizen Head, along with the support of partners such as Campion Insurance, Bayer and Abbvie, with Circle K covering EV charging costs.

Speaking at today’s launch, Denise Harris commented “We are delighted to support Vision Ireland as they travel across the country promoting good eye health to the public, to safeguard against avoidable vision impairment and blindness. It is important that we mind our eyes.

Of all the faculties that people depend on, I consider that eyesight is one of the most important; education, awareness, and screening are critical for independent living.

Vision Ireland’s Vision Van will benefit many communities across Ireland, and I hope that everyone will appreciate the foresight and effort of Vision Ireland in pioneering this service. It will, I am sure, support many people to better manage their vision and ensure they can live the fullest possible life."

Former Paralympian Peter Ryan said, “I’m delighted to see the Vision Van get on the road. I feel that people underestimate how many people in Ireland are affected by eye conditions. It is essential that people have access to services like those offered on the Vision Van. I know it will have a massive impact in communities around Ireland.”

Vision Ireland Chief Services Officer Aaron Mullaniff said, “With our Vision Van setting off around the country, we hope to start important conversations about eye health. Our team will be travelling around Ireland informing the public about various sight-loss conditions that can often be difficult to pick up or can be age related.

“Our aim is to make the public aware of these conditions and equip everyone with the lifestyle information required to manage their eye health. Be sure to pay the Vision Van a visit to learn about how you can look out for your eye health.”

The Vision Van will be coming soon to locations around the country to start much-needed conversations about eye health.