Standardised Plain Packaging of Tobacco

Re: Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Bill) 2013

The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) express our complete support for advocacy efforts being undertaken to tackle tobacco usage in Ireland and the negative impact of smoking on health. The College of eye doctors wish to highlight the associated risks of smoking with the onset of eye disease and support any public health messaging that is focused on highlighting the negative effects of smoking.

After ageing, smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing the leading cause of sight loss in Ireland, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and it also increases the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.

We endorse the views of our colleagues in the Irish Cancer Society, Irish Heart Foundation and Ash Ireland regarding the introduction of Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Legislation.

We urge the Irish Government to implement and pass without undue delay the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2013 as part of the Government's commitment to a tobacco-free Ireland by 2025 and to continue all efforts to reduce the harmful health impact of tobacco use in this country.

11^th February 2014