Almost half of the British workforce are not going for regular sight tests, despite reporting vision problems at work, and headaches due to eye strain, our poll has revealed.
- Nearly half (46%) of the British workforce are not going to regular sight tests (at least once every two years)
- This is despite almost a third (30%) of workers saying that they experience problems at work due to their vision
- One in ten (10%) complain of regular headaches due to eye strain
- 39% of workers who don’t go for regular sight tests choose not to do so because they believe their vision is fine
Importance of regular tests
Nearly two in five of those who don’t go for regular sight tests choose not to do so because they believe that their vision is fine, despite sight tests being vital even for people who can see clearly, as they can help detect other conditions such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, or other serious complications.
National Eye Week, which took place earlier this month, is an annual, nationwide campaign aiming to raise awareness of the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests. Many people qualify for a free NHS sight test and some will also qualify for help with the cost of spectacles or contact lenses. An average sight test costs in the region of just £20 but prices can vary.
David Scott-Ralphs, Chairman of National Eye Health Week says: ‘There are so many benefits to going for a sight test. Optometrists are health professionals who can improve your quality of life by prescribing spectacles or by detecting the early signs of an eye condition that could lead to sight loss. People should not be suffering throughout their working life because of their eyes. Through early detection, many conditions are treatable.’
