UKHSA Partial Solar Eclipse – General Risk Prevention advice
Dear Colleagues,
The UKHSA UK Health Security Agency – GOV.UK has issued health prevention advice for Wednesday 12 August 2026, this is when a partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the UK.
How to watch the solar eclipse safely this summer – UK Health Security Agency
This event will cover the widest area of the UK since the 1999 Solar Eclipse.
Following the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported 70 cases of people reporting vision loss within 2 days of the event.
Serious eye problems such as solar retinopathy can occur and although in mild situations vision can recover over time without medication, in extreme cases this can lead to irreversible eye damage or eyesight loss.
There is wide public health guidance available, aimed at encouraging safe viewing of this partial eclipse event.
12 August 2026 partial solar eclipse | Royal Observatory Greenwich
Moorfields Eye Hospital surgeon gives tips on staying safe during the solar eclipse
If you choose to observe the eclipse, it is important that all the following precautions are followed without exception.
Before the Eclipse
Obtain certified eclipse viewing glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
Inspect eclipse glasses for scratches, tears, punctures, or other damage.
Ensure all participants understand the risks of viewing the Sun without protection.
During the Eclipse
Always wear approved eclipse glasses when looking at the Sun.
Do not use
Ordinary sunglasses
Smoked glass
CDs/DVDs
Camera film
Binoculars without solar filters
Telescopes without solar filters
When Using Optical Equipment
Binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and spotting scopes must be fitted with a special solar filter mounted on the front of the device.
Never look through optical equipment while wearing eclipse glasses alone, as concentrated sunlight can cause severe eye injury.
Emergency Actions
If anyone experiences: blurred vision, blind spots, distorted vision or eye discomfort following the eclipse viewing please seek medical advice from an eye care professional as soon as possible.
Children should be always supervised.
The Royal Observatory be broadcasting a free, safe live feed of the 12th of Augustpartial solar eclipse online.
Partial Solar Eclipse UK Live Stream | 12 August 2026
This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.
If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact:
Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI
CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org.
LTB 228 26 UKHSA Partial Solar Eclipse – General Risk Prevention advice
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
Leave a comment