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The Department of Health (DoH) has ruled out investing additional resources to launch a national campaign to promote the importance of regular sight tests, despite several recent surveys revealing a severe lack of awareness about eye health among the UK population.

The question was put to the DoH by Optician after the publication of a survey undertaken by sight loss charity Action for Blind People (ABP) which revealed that one in four people are unaware that an eye test could save their sight and could aid diagnosis of other medical conditions.

This finding mirrored research data published in May, (News, May 2), by the Eyecare Trust, which also revealed that one in 10 has never had an eye test, yet 87 per cent surveyed said they had experienced problems with their vision.

Responding to Optician, a DoH spokesperson outlined current and past government initiatives to increase public awareness over the importance of sight tests. 'Posters are available for display in optical practices and hospital outpatient departments. We have in the past collaborated with the RNIB on a campaign to promote the benefits of regular sight testing,' said the spokesperson.

The failure to take additional action is in spite of health minister Ann Keen recently claiming that: 'Many people lose their sight unnecessarily when a trip to the optician could have prevented the problem.'

Research commissioned by the charity ABP of the habits and attitudes towards eye tests of 2,000 people in the UK also revealed 11 per cent of respondents didn't know what the purpose of an eye test was.

Report findings also revealed that one in four respondents hadn't had an eye test in the last two years.

Richard Tolson, ABP's social care service's development manger said: 'It's shocking that so many people are unaware an eye test could potentially be the difference between having sight and going blind.'

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