Opticians at Specsavers are reminding residents not to look directly at the sun without certified solar eclipse glasses or an approved solar filter. "So we advise that people never look directly at the sun without certified solar eclipse glasses or an approved solar filter/viewer, and always ensure they are not scratched or damaged first." New research from Specsavers found that six per cent of people in the region did not know that viewing a solar eclipse without proper protection could cause eye damage. The survey also revealed that 10 per cent believed watching the eclipse through a camera or smartphone screen was safe. Anyone who experiences blurred vision or distortion after viewing the eclipse should contact an optometrist immediately.