News
Quarter of UK population endanger vision in downturn
A quarter of the UK population could be endangering their vision because of the financial downturn according to Action for Blind People (ABP).
The charity is calling for people to get their eyes tested in the New Year and not to be put off by the economic downturn after a study revealed that many are avoiding eye tests because of the cost.The YouGov surveyfound that of 2,350 people questioned about their attitudes towards eye tests, 27 per cent hadn't had their eyes tested in the last two years, with 30 per cent citing cost as the reason.
Richard Tolson, health and social care service development manager for ABP commented: 'We are urging the general public to make sure that they don't cut back on getting their eyes tested this year.'
The findings are supported by another YouGov survey commissioned by medical insurer Engage Mutual, which suggests that over quarter of the UK population (26 per cent) are struggling to meet the cost of new spectacles.
The publication of both surveys coincides with December's annual state of healthcare report to Parliament, which revealed that just over half of adults have received dental services over the past two years and many others are struggling with meeting other healthcare costs such as paying for eye tests.
