Apathy to eyecare

Apathy to eye care revealed

Adults are indifferent to eye examinations, unaware of eye conditions and often unlikely to turn to an optometrist if they experience an eye problem.

According to a report from the College of Optometrists half of adults will not attend an eye examination until they experience symptoms that prompt them into action. A further 30 per cent feel sight tests are not necessary.

The report, published to coincide with National Eye Health Week, found that of the 4,000 adults quizzed 20 per cent had not seen an optometrist within the last five years, if ever. An additional 1.3 million people, 4 per cent of the population, had never seen an optometrist.