Oxford News
Oxfordshire women urged to act on avoidable sight loss
Women are being urged to prioritise their eye health this April during Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, amid concerns that many across Oxfordshire could be affected by avoidable sight loss.
According to the London Cataract Centre, 3.5 million people in the UK are living with cataracts.
Women are particularly at risk due to longer life expectancy and hormonal changes.
Melanie Chak, consultant ophthalmologist at Newmedica Oxfordshire, said: “Here in Oxfordshire, we’re seeing first-hand the difference that timely access to treatment can make.
“Cataract surgery is quick, safe and highly effective, yet too many people are living with poor vision longer than they need to.
“At Newmedica Oxfordshire, we take the time to guide every patient through their journey, from their first consultation to recovery, making sure they feel informed, comfortable and supported throughout.
“This Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, we’re encouraging women to put their eye health first.
“If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, don’t put it off – getting assessed could make a huge difference to your quality of life.”
Cataracts are a common condition in people over 65 and cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, resulting in blurred or dimmed vision.
Around 29 per cent of people in Oxfordshire are in this age group.
Newmedica Oxfordshire is encouraging women over 60 to seek early treatment for cataracts, which can be managed quickly and effectively with surgery.
Cataract surgery is currently the only effective treatment for cataracts.
It involves removing the eye’s cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, typically takes just 10–20 minutes, and patients are usually able to return home the same day.
The effects can be life-changing, with patients often experiencing improved colour perception and the ability to return to everyday activities.
Newmedica Oxfordshire offers both NHS-funded and private ophthalmology services delivered by consultant ophthalmologists and a skilled clinical team.
The clinic also provides YAG laser treatment, glaucoma management and oculoplastic surgery.
It is owned and led by consultant ophthalmologists Melanie Chak, Mandeep Singh Bindra, Markus Groppe, Moustafa Issa and operations director Durgesh Patel.
For more information, visit newmedica.co.uk/clinics/oxfordshire.
The coin was released by The Royal Mint in 2019 as part of a limited edition of 500, originally priced at £980.
The coin was described on eBay as being in “mint condition” and came boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity.
It attracted nine bids before being sold for £1,552.40.
That was before the £11.95 delivery fee.
The coin features a design of the beloved character Peter Rabbit, created by Beatrix Potter.
It was the first time a Peter Rabbit Gold Proof Coin had been released individually by The Royal Mint.
The item description from the eBay seller states: “This limited edition coin celebrates the beloved character created by Beatrix Potter and is a valuable addition to any coin collection.
“With its charming design and mint condition, this coin is a perfect gift for any avid coin enthusiast or fan of Peter Rabbit.”
The 22 carat gold coin is no longer available from The Royal Mint.
It was announced last month that design-led eco cabin resort brand CABÜ would develop a new destination in the iconic strip of UK countryside.
CABÜ in the Cotswolds is a luxury cabin retreat scheduled to open next year on a 25-acre woodland space in Langley, near Witney.
This site was originally built as a radio transmission station and was then redeveloped in the late 1980s, used by British Telecom as a residential training centre for 15 years.
READ MORE: Over 25,000 people to descend on Jeremy Clarkson’s farm this summer
From 1993, the renamed Leafield Technical Centre was expanded into a specialist motorsport facility, but it has stood abandoned since 2014 when the Caterham team went into administration.
Planning permission for the CABÜ’s Cotswolds project was approved by West Oxfordshire District Council back in November 2023.
Last month, the brand said that construction is “well underway”, with the resort firmly on track for its planned 2027 opening.
Now, new drone photographs show the West Oxfordshire site being transformed in preparation for its 2027 opening date.
READ MORE: Olympic legend aiming to break world record at edge of Cotswolds
Diggers can be seen in the shots, which also show the land cleared, ready for the foundations to be set in.
Some buildings are already there, but it is expected these will be joined by the new cabins and other facilities over the coming months.
The resort will feature 51 self-catered eco-cabins ranging from one to three bedrooms.
Bosses say each cabin will showcase “beautifully considered interiors, combining contemporary finishes, natural materials and warm, inviting living spaces that complement the surrounding setting”.
READ MORE: King Charles offers £30,000 sum for help at home in Cotswolds
In keeping with CABÜ’s ethos of mindful, low-impact tourism, the resort will offer a variety of facilities focused on relaxation and connection with nature.
These include an indoor swimming pool as well as a natural swimming pond.
Elsewhere, there will be a nature spa with saunas, hot tubs and plunge buckets as well as an on-site shop, two bars and an events studio.
CABÜ House, a central social hub with reception, lounge and dining spaces, will also be available alongside “low-adrenaline” experiences such as woodland walks, yoga sessions and digital-detox retreats.
The brand’s founders, JP Ledwidge and Olivia Hutchinson, said in a statement: “CABÜ in the Cotswolds reflects our belief that modern hospitality should be both design-forward and environmentally responsible.
READ MORE: First look at Clarkson’s Farm series five as new photos released
“Today’s travellers are seeking more than just a place to stay — they want immersive experiences that support wellbeing, foster connection, and allow them to slow down.
“This new resort has been designed with exactly that in mind.”
It has been announced this week that bookings are expected to open in late 2026, with year-round stays available.
The company already runs two popular resorts, CABÜ by the Sea on Romney Marsh, Kent, and CABÜ by the Lakes in County Cavan, Ireland.
Northamptonshire Police is appealing for witnesses to the serious collision on the A43 in Towcester, Northampton, at about 11.30am today (Monday, April 27).
Described as a ‘single-vehicle collision’, the incident occurred on the southbound carriageway at the junction of Towcester Road, and involved the driver of a white Toyota Aygo.
READ MORE: Major police presence at Oxford park for emergency incident
The driver, a woman in her 50s, was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, according tot the force.
Officers from the serious crime investigation unit are now appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident or who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to email collisionappeals@northants.police.uk or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615, or Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 26000241000.
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