“New at John Rose Eye Care: Non-Invasive Heart Risk Screening with TOKU iClair™”

We are Delighted  to announce that John Rose Eye Care in Kingston upon Thames London  is among the first UK optometrists to offer the revolutionary, proven  TOKU AI CLAiR™ cardiovascular risk assessment—now officially CE and UKCA marked for use across the UK and Europe.

Your retina holds a powerful secret: it’s the only place where we can see the blood vessels that also feed your heart.

Thanks to TOKU’s certified technology, we can, as part of your eye examination, now assess your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in just minutes, without any needles, radiation or invasive testing—simply by analysing a high-resolution retinal image taken during your eye exam.

🔬 Why  This  Retinal Screening Matters

Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the UK. And yet, many people have no idea they’re at risk—until it’s too late.

The TOKU CLAiR™ AI system changes that –
By using your retinal image, it instantly analyses and identifies key CVD risk factors including:

• Age
• Gender
• Smoking history
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol profile
• And more—all without a blood test

This game-changing potentially life saing  innovation is now CE and UKCA marked, ensuring safety, reliability and compliance with medical device regulations.

🧪 Traditional private cardiovascular scans (like ultrasound) can cost upwards of £1300.
💷 The CLAiR™ scan at John Rose Eye Care costs just £149 and is included in our Platinum Eye Health Exam.

💡 Ideal for ages 45–70

Whether you’re tracking your health with wearables, attending the gym or simply committed to prevention and longevity, this is a proactive, science-backed way to get insight into your cardiovascular health—before symptoms arise.

No extra appointments.
No discomfort – non-invasive unlike ultrasound exams.

Just clear, immediate insight into your most vital system: your heart.

✅ Who Should Have This  non-invasive CVD risk assessment ?

• Anyone aged 45 to 70
• Health-conscious individuals
• Gym-goers, fitness trackers, longevity seekers
• Those with family history of cardiovascular issues
• Patients managing stress, lifestyle changes or wellness goals

🩺 The John Rose Eye Care Difference

Book the Ultimate Platinum Eye Health Exam, a comprehensive experience that combines:

• Your full comprehensive eye health examination
• AI-based macular and retinal scans
• Visual performance testing
• TOKU AI Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
  — all in one convenient, thorough appointment.

Delighted to offer our clients this innovative AI enhanced preventative health care to Kingston upon Thames London, serving  across Richmond, Surbiton, London and Surrey.

🌐 Now CE & UKCA Certified

Read the official announcement on the TOKU website:
👉 Toku obtains CE and UKCA marks for AI cardiovascular risk assessments through the eye

📅 Ready to take control of your heart health?

Book your Ultimate Platinum Eye Health Exam including TOKU AI Cardiovascular Risk Assessment today.

👉 Book Now

NB:

Prevalence and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in the UK by Age Group

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) becomes more common as people get older gov.uk. In total, over 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart and circulatory diseases bhf.org.uk. However, the likelihood of having CVD varies greatly by age. Below we outline the prevalence of diagnosed CVD and key risk factors (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity) for UK age groups from 25 years upward. The information is presented in age brackets (e.g. 25–34, 35–44, etc.), using data from credible UK sources such as the NHS, British Heart Foundation (BHF), Office for National Statistics (ONS) and peer-reviewed research.

Ages 25–34 (Young Adults)

CVD is relatively uncommon in people in their late 20s and early 30s. Surveys suggest that under 5% of UK adults under 35 have any diagnosed heart or circulatory disease bhf.org.uk (fewer than 1 in 20 young adults). In this age group, serious heart problems like heart attacks or stroke are rare. However, some early risk factors are already present in young adults:

• High Blood Pressure: Persistent hypertension is uncommon in this age range, affecting only a small minority of young adults. For example, only about 4% of women and 7% of men aged 16–24 have high blood pressure bbc.com and the rates in the 25–34 bracket are only slightly higher. Most people in their 20s/early 30s have normal blood pressure readings.
• High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol can start at a young age. About 29% of 25–34 year-olds in England have above-recommended cholesterol levels (total cholesterol ≥5 mmol/L) scribd.com. In other words, nearly one in three young adults already has a higher-than-ideal cholesterol reading, which can contribute to long-term CVD risk if not addressed.
• Overweight/Obesity: Many people in their 20s and 30s begin to gain excess weight. By the early 30s, close to 60% of adults are overweight or obese (combined) in England scribd.com. The portion classified as obese (body mass index ≥30) is still relatively low in this group – roughly in the low teens as a percentage (rising from around 8% in late teens to the low double-digits by the 25–34 range) digital.nhs.uk. Nonetheless, maintaining a healthy weight in young adulthood is important for preventing future heart disease.

Bottom line for 25–34: Cardiovascular disease affects only a small fraction of young adults. Yet, early risk markers – like occasional high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol in about a third of this group and increasing rates of overweight/obesity – start to appear. Healthy lifestyle habits at this stage (good diet, regular exercise, not smoking) can significantly reduce the risk of developing CVD later on.

Ages 35–44 (Early Middle Age)

By the late 30s and early 40s, the prevalence of CVD remains relatively low, but it begins to climb gradually. Approximately 6% of people in the 35–44 age bracket have some form of cardiovascular disease (around 1 in 16) according to survey data bhf.org.uk. This can include conditions like angina, heart rhythm abnormalities or earlier-onset heart disease. While most adults in their thirties do not have CVD, this is a transitional age where risk factors often accelerate:

• High Blood Pressure:

  Hypertension becomes more noticeable by the 30s and 40s. Rates of high blood pressure increase steeply with age and men tend to develop hypertension at younger ages than women digital.nhs.uk. In this 35–44 group, a significant minority will have high blood pressure or be on blood-pressure medication (roughly 15–20% of people in their 30s to early 40s, based on health survey trends). It’s in this decade that many individuals are first told their blood pressure is creeping up, highlighting the importance of regular BP checks.

• High Cholesterol:

  Elevated cholesterol is quite common by early middle age. Almost half of 35–44 year-olds have a raised cholesterol level (about 45% overall; 53% of men and 37% of women) scribd.com. This high prevalence reflects diet and lifestyle factors, and possibly lower use of preventive medications in this younger cohort compared to older adults. Keeping cholesterol in check through diet, exercise, or medication (if needed) is important in this age group to curb future heart risk.

• Obesity : Excess weight issues continue to grow in prevalence. By their 30s and early 40s, roughly two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese (when combined) scribd.com. The obesity rate (those with BMI ≥30) in the 35–44 range is around 1 in 5 people (approximately 20%) and rising digital.nhs.uk. This means that a sizable portion of people in this age band are at an unhealthy weight, which contributes to higher blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and higher risk of type 2 diabetes – all factors that raise CVD risk.

Bottom line for 35–44: Only around 6% of people in their late 30s/early 40s have diagnosed CVD, but risk factors are common and increasing. Many individuals in this age group have high blood pressure developing (especially men in their 40s), about half have high cholesterol, and roughly one-fifth are obese. This is a critical time to adopt heart-healthy habits or treatments to prevent these risk factors from progressing to heart disease or stroke in later years.

Ages 45–54 (Midlife) Cardiovascular Risk Assessment  – regular screening recommended

In the midlife decade of 45–54, there is a more notable jump in cardiovascular issues. Roughly 10–11% of people aged 45–54 have CVD (about 1 in 10) bhf.org.uk. This means that as people enter their late 40s and early 50s, diagnosed heart and circulatory conditions become more evident – for example, some may experience angina, coronary heart disease, or have had a minor stroke or heart attack by this age. Concurrently, the major risk factors are highly prevalent:

• High Blood Pressure: By the 50s, high blood pressure is a common condition. Approximately a third or more of adults in their late 40s and 50s have hypertension or are on medication for it. The prevalence of hypertension rises considerably through this decade for both sexes digital.nhs.uk. Many people in this age group will be told during a check-up that their blood pressure is above normal. Controlling blood pressure at this stage is crucial, as prolonged hypertension greatly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• High Cholesterol: Midlife is often the peak time for cholesterol issues. Over half of 45–54 year-olds have high cholesterol (about 57% overall; 55% of men and 59% of women in England) scribd.com. This high rate may be due to long-term dietary habits and the fact that widespread use of cholesterol-lowering treatments (like statins) typically starts in the 50s for those at risk. It’s a concern because high cholesterol for many years can lead to artery clogging and heart disease.
• Obesity: Obesity rates in the 45–54 range are substantial. Roughly 1 in 4 people in this age group is obese, and many more are overweight. National data show obesity climbing steadily with age – from single-digit percentages in youth up to the mid-20% range by middle age digital.nhs.uk. This means around 25–30% of 45–54-year-olds have a BMI over 30. Excess weight in midlife is linked with higher blood pressure, diabetes, and increased strain on the heart. Public health experts often stress weight management in this age bracket to reduce cardiovascular strain.

Bottom line for 45–54: Around one in ten people in their late 40s/early 50s have heart or circulatory disease. By this stage, a large proportion have the major risk factors – high blood pressure is very common, more than half have elevated cholesterol, and roughly a quarter are obese. In midlife, managing these risk factors (through lifestyle changes and medical care) can significantly lower one’s risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke before age 75 (a large share of CVD events happen in this age range if risks are unmanaged).

Ages 55–64 (Approaching Retirement Age)

By the late 50s and early 60s, cardiovascular disease has become even more widespread. Roughly 16% of people aged 55–64 have CVD bhf.org.uk – this is about 1 in 6 adults in their pre-retirement years living with a heart or circulatory condition. Many may have chronic heart disease (such as coronary artery disease or heart failure), or have suffered a cardiovascular event (like a heart attack or stroke). For those who haven’t yet been diagnosed with CVD, risk levels are often high in this group:

• High Blood Pressure: In the 55–64 age bracket, nearly half of adults have hypertension or are being treated for it. While exact figures vary, it’s estimated that by the early 60s, around 50% of people have high blood pressure (controlled or uncontrolled). This reflects a culmination of gradual increases over the decades. Keeping blood pressure under control in the 60s is critical – sustained high BP is a leading cause of strokes and heart attacks. Health initiatives like the NHS Health Check target this age group to improve blood pressure management.
• High Cholesterol: High cholesterol is very common in the 50s and 60s. In England, about 59% of 55–64 year-olds have a total cholesterol level above 5 mmol/L scribd.com. In fact, this age range often represents the peak of cholesterol prevalence (especially for women, who often see cholesterol rise after menopause). Many individuals in their 60s are on statins or dietary plans to reduce cholesterol. Even so, about six in ten have readings above the healthy threshold. This underscores the importance of cholesterol screening and treatment as people approach older age.
• Obesity: Obesity rates are near their highest in the pre-retirement age group. National statistics indicate that about 30% of adults in their late 50s/early 60s are obese digital.nhs.uk. This means nearly one in three has a BMI of 30 or more, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, many others in this age group are overweight but not obese. Combined overweight/obesity prevalence is very high in 55–64 year-olds. Tackling obesity (through diet, activity, and sometimes medical interventions) is a major preventive strategy for CVD at this life stage.

Bottom line for 55–64: About 16% of people in their late 50s/early 60s live with cardiovascular disease, and the majority of the rest have one or more risk factors that put them in danger of CVD. By this age, roughly half have high blood pressure, nearly 60% have high cholesterol, and roughly 30% are obese. The risk of heart attacks and strokes accelerates in one’s 60s, so controlling these risk factors can literally be lifesaving. Health services like the NHS often intensify prevention efforts (like Health Checks, medications, and lifestyle programs) for people in this age bracket.

Ages 65–74 (Early Senior Years)

In the late 60s and early 70s, cardiovascular disease prevalence is quite high. Nearly 30% of adults aged 65–74 have some form of CVD bhf.org.uk. In other words, almost 1 in 3 people in this age group lives with heart and circulatory diseases – this can include coronary heart disease, a history of heart attack, angina, stroke, heart failure, or other cardiovascular conditions. Age 65–74 is a time when CVD becomes a leading health concern for many. Likewise, cardiovascular risk factors tend to peak or remain very prevalent:

• High Blood Pressure: Most people in their late 60s have high blood pressure or are on treatment for it. It’s estimated that well over half of 65–74 year-olds have hypertension. By the 70s, the proportion with high blood pressure is at its highest. (For example, among those 75 and over, about 66% of men and 71% of women have hypertension digital.nhs.uk, so the 65–74 group is just slightly below that.) Effective blood pressure control in this age range can prevent many strokes and heart failures. Often, multiple medications are used in seniors to keep blood pressure in check.
• High Cholesterol: Around half of people aged 65–74 have elevated cholesterol scribd.com (about 50% overall in England). Interestingly, average cholesterol levels in men often start to decline in this age range compared to midlife, largely because many men with high cholesterol are by now on statin therapy or have made lifestyle changes. Women’s cholesterol can remain high into their 60s (around 62% of women 65–74 have high cholesterol scribd.com) because women’s cholesterol tends to peak later and many only start medications after menopause. In any case, managing cholesterol remains important, and guidelines often recommend most people with any CVD or high risk in this age group be on cholesterol-lowering medication.
• Obesity: The prevalence of obesity in early senior years is actually at its highest point. About 32% of 65–74 year-olds are obese (nearly one in three)digital.nhs.uk, the peak rate among all age groups. This may surprise some, but it reflects lifelong patterns of weight gain. However, after the early 70s, obesity rates tend to decline (partly due to older adults losing weight from ill health or frailty). The high level of obesity at 65–74 contributes to continued risk of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Weight management in older age can be challenging, but even modest weight reduction can help improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and mobility.

Bottom line for 65–74: By this age, cardiovascular disease is a major health issue, affecting nearly 30% of people. Even those without diagnosed CVD often have significant risk factors – most have high blood pressure, about half have high cholesterol, and about one-third are obese (the highest obesity prevalence of any age group). Since CVD is most common in people over 50 and risk increases as you get older gov.uk, the late 60s are a critical period: aggressive management of risk factors and appropriate medical treatment for any existing heart conditions are key to maintaining health and preventing events like heart attacks or strokes.

Ages 75 and Over (Older Adults)

In the 75+ population, cardiovascular disease is very widespread. An estimated 37% of UK adults aged 75 and above have CVD bhf.org.uk, meaning more than one in three older adults is living with heart or circulatory diseases. This includes many who have chronic heart disease, have survived heart attacks or strokes, or have conditions like atrial fibrillation and heart failure that require ongoing care. CVD is a leading cause of illness and death in this age group. Risk factors by this stage are a mix of those who have been managed and those that still pose challenges:

• High Blood Pressure: The majority of older adults have high blood pressure. In fact, among people aged 75 and over in England, about 66% of men and 71% of women have hypertension digital.nhs.uk. This reflects decades of vascular aging – blood vessels stiffen with age, causing higher pressures. Nearly everyone who lives into their late 70s has had to deal with blood pressure issues. Many will be on medications (often multiple drugs) to control it. Blood pressure control remains very important even in older age to reduce the risk of strokes, heart failure, and kidney problems, though targets may be adjusted for older frail individuals.
• High Cholesterol: Interestingly, the rate of high cholesterol in the oldest age group is lower than in middle age. About 35% of adults over 75 have elevated cholesterol scribd.com. This is partly because many with high cholesterol are on medications by now, and also some who had very high cholesterol may not have survived to this age without intervention. Nonetheless, a substantial one-third of the 75+ group still have cholesterol above recommended levels. Treatment decisions for cholesterol in the very old are individualized, but many continue on statins especially if they have existing heart disease or a history of stroke (since it’s seen as beneficial even in older patients).
• Obesity: The prevalence of obesity declines in the oldest age groups. About 26% of those over 75 are obese digital.nhs.uk – roughly one in four. This drop from the peak in the younger decade (32% at 65–74) may be due to weight loss from health issues or a cohort effect (those who remain at older ages may be somewhat healthier or lighter). It’s worth noting that a slight decrease in weight in very old age is common, and being mildly overweight is not always seen as negatively in the oldest old. However, severe obesity in an older person can complicate management of heart conditions and other illnesses. Maintaining a balanced diet and physical activity is still important for overall health in this age range, with adaptations for mobility and other health conditions.

Bottom line for 75+: Over one-third of adults over 75 have cardiovascular disease, making it one of the most significant health burdens in older age. High blood pressure is almost the norm in this group (about two-thirds have it), but cholesterol levels are often being managed (only about one-third have high cholesterol due to treatment uptake). Obesity is slightly less common in the oldest old (around a quarter are obese) compared to younger seniors. At this stage, most people with risk factors are either already under treatment or closely monitored. Medical care focuses on managing existing CVD and risk factors to improve quality of life and reduce complications. It’s also a reminder that even in later years, healthy habits (like low-salt diets for blood pressure, staying active as able, and adhering to medications) continue to provide benefits for heart health.

Conclusion

In summary, age is a major driver of cardiovascular disease risk. CVD is relatively rare in young adults but becomes increasingly common in middle and older age. By ages 55–64, a significant minority have CVD, and by 75+ it affects over a third of people. The prevalence of risk factors mirrors this trend: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity all increase with age, which in turn elevates the risk of developing heart disease or strokegov.uk. For instance, only a single-digit percentage of young adults have hypertension, whereas around 70% of those over 75 do digital.nhs.uk. Likewise, about 29% of young adults (25–34) have raised cholesterol, compared to nearly 60% in 55–64-year-olds scribd.com. Obesity climbs from ~8% in early adulthood to roughly one-third in the 65–74 range digital.nhs.uk.

The data from the NHS, ONS, and BHF paint a clear picture: as the UK population ages, cardiovascular conditions become much more prevalent, but many of these cases are linked to risk factors that can be monitored or improved. Public health efforts like the NHS Health Check (offered to people in midlife) aim to detect issues like high BP or cholesterol early and manage them. Experts emphasize that improving heart health at every age – through healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and appropriate medical treatments – can significantly reduce the burden of CVD. In fact, it’s estimated that a large fraction of heart attacks and strokes in people under 75 could be prevented by better risk factor control bbc.com. Keeping an eye on blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight as you get older, and following medical advice, are key steps to ensure a healthier heart into one’s senior years.

Sources: The information above is drawn from UK health statistics and research, including the Health Survey for England (NHS Digital) digital.nhs.ukdigital.nhs.uk, British Heart Foundation reports bhf.org.ukscribd.com, Office for National Statistics analyses bbc.com, and public health resources gov.uk. These provide a comprehensive and credible picture of how cardiovascular risk evolves with age in the UK.

https://johnroseeyecare.mysight.uk/choose-appointment-type/  The ultimate comprehensive eye and health monitoring, this advanced consultation uses proven AI-based technology to assess both ocular and cardiovascular health in a single appointment.

Heart condition among New Padel players particular 45+ previously inactive in sports or exercise #padel

Get screening (would be amazing if clubs and healthcare can collaborate at padel sites #surbitonpadel)

Screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) before starting an exercise program is important for identifying individuals at higher risk of adverse events during physical activity.

Who Should Be Screened for Cardiovascular Disease Before Starting Exercise?

1. Individuals with Known Cardiovascular, Renal, or Metabolic Disease
• This includes people with:
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (type 1 or 2)
• These individuals should consult a healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program.

2. Individuals with Symptoms Suggestive of CVD

If someone experiences any of the following symptoms, they should seek medical evaluation before starting exercise:
• Chest pain or discomfort during exertion
• Shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion
• Dizziness or fainting
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
• Pain in the lower legs with exertion (suggestive of peripheral artery disease)

3. Sedentary Individuals Planning Vigorous Exercise
• People who are inactive (no regular physical activity in the last 3 months) and are planning to start a vigorous-intensity exercise program (e.g., running, HIIT) should consider medical clearance.

4. Older Adults (Typically Age ≥ 45 for Men, ≥ 55 for Women)
• Especially if they have any risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of premature CVD.