More than 1 in 10 adults across Britain do not go for regular sight tests because they believe they cannot afford to, our poll has discovered.
Although more than 9 in 10 people’s responses indicate that they know about the wider health benefits of sight tests, this knowledge is not resulting in more optician visits; more than two in five people are currently risking their sight and health by not going for regular sight tests.
The research also revealed that for women, cost is even more of a barrier to good eye health, as over a third of women have put off buying new glasses or contact lenses because they thought they could not afford it.
- 43% of the population is not going for regular sight tests (at least once every two years)
- Of those, 13% of adults across Britain do not go for regular sight tests because they believe they cannot afford to
- More than a third of women (34%) have put off buying new glasses or contact lenses because they thought they could not afford it
David Scott-Ralphs, Chairman of National Eye Health Week, which took place across the country to raise awareness of the importance of ocular health, has said: ‘This is a massive public health issue. Many people do understand the importance of a sight test, but there is great concern that they are still avoiding having one, often citing cost grounds. Many people qualify for a free NHS sight test and may also qualify for help with the cost of spectacles or contact lenses.’
The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the vital importance of vision and general health, and also emphasises that even people who don’t wear glasses still need to have regular tests, as eye conditions such as glaucoma do not have symptoms in their early stages and early detection is vital to save sight. Experts say that a sight test does not just assess vision, but also may indicate signs of other potentially life threatening conditions, such as high blood pressure.
