An SNP MSP has backed the message of National Eye Health Week.

Annabelle Ewing visited Ferrier and McKinnon Optometrists in Cowdenbeath to show her support for the awareness campaign.

She stressed the importance of regular eye examinations, which are free for everyone in Scotland.

Ms Ewing, the MSP for Cowdenbeath, said: "I am delighted to support National Eye Health Week at Ferrier & MacKinnon.

"I would urge all my constituents to be 'eye aware' and to have routine sight tests.

"Your optometrists are there to help and to ensure that any conditions such as glaucoma are detected as early as possible."

National Eye Health Week is promoted by RNIB Scotland and Optometry Scotland and this year it ran from September 23 to 29.

Recent research from Public Health Scotland has found a 4.7 per cent increase in eye examination uptake this year compared to last year.

RNIB Scotland director James Adams said: "Having a regular eye test is important for people’s wider health - they can pick up early signs of sight-threatening conditions as well as many other underlying health conditions.

"We are encouraged by a recent increase in the uptakes of eye tests, however, we need to make sure everyone feels comfortable getting one."