Local sporting champions shine spotlight on Sports Eye Injury Month

Derick Topping

Two former all-Ireland sporting champions, who have swapped ‘medals’ for ‘medicine’ are reminding sports enthusiasts of the need to protect their eyes to avoid serious vision impairment in the future.

The call, issued during Sports Eye Injury Month (April), comes from Derick Topping (Rugby) and Dermot Carlin (Gaelic football), who have joined forces, off the pitch, to establish Solasta Healthcare, a pioneering cataract and eye health clinic in Banbridge.

Derick, from Ballymena was Club Captain of Ballymena RFC when his team won the All Ireland League in 2003. He also played for the famous Ulster European Cup winning team in 1999.

Dermot, who is from Omagh, was an All-Ireland Champion with Tyrone in 2003 and 2008.

Dermot Carlin

With their legacy already cemented in Irish sporting history, the duo have been joined by local consultant ophthalmologist Mr Michael O’Gallagher, to spearhead Solasta, providing an immediate solution to those impacted by the growing NHS waiting list for cataract surgery.

Solasta’s wider ‘champion’ team includes local specialist surgeons, optometrists, clinic coordinators, administrators, nursing staff and patient care coordinators.

With over 100,000 sports-related eye injuries occurring annually in the UK and Ireland - 90% of which are preventable - Derick wants to raise awareness of the steps which can be taken to avoid lasting damage. 

“Dermot and I are both sports fanatics and were lucky to play at the top level for many years,” said Derick. “While there was always a huge emphasis placed on fitness, strength and diet, the one thing that was greatly overlooked was our vision.

“Over the years our collective experience in eye health has exposed the risks which those involved in sport may face in later years, particularly if they don’t protect their sight or take action when their vision is affected.”

Solasta team: Dermot Carlin, Ruth Collins, Mr Michael O’Gallagher and Derick Topping.

As Sports Eye Injury Month continues, the Solasta team is reminding all sports enthusiasts that preserving vision is just as important as winning championships and recommends the following tips:

• Where possible wear sport-specific protective eyewear with impact resistance

• Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection

• Stay hydrated and use eye drops for dry or irritated eyes

• Attend regular eye examinations, particularly after head injuries or if symptoms occur

• Don’t ignore blurry or cloudy vision—get checked for cataracts

“We’ve played under pressure, under lights, in sunshine, wind and rain at the highest level,” added Derick. “You rely on your eyes more than you realise. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a grandparent cheering from the stands—everyone deserves to see life clearly.”

Located at The Boulevard, Banbridge, Solasta is a purpose-built 4,500 sq.ft ground level clinic, designed with patient accessibility in mind with extensive free car parking and dedicated space for blue-badge holders.

As a recognised Centre of Excellence, the clinic pioneers the latest advancements in ophthalmology technology, serves as a national and international hub for training clinicians and supports NHS cataract surgery waiting lists by catering to private insurance and self-pay patients.

For more information tap here, or call 028 4064 8486.