Eye care at risk in cost-of-living crisis

A survey commissioned by Specsavers found patients were reassessing their health priorities in January because of the cost-of-living crisis.

Research identified 73% of the 2,000 UK adults surveyed were concerned about finances more than usual this January and 34% were unsure if they could afford to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

While 72% said looking after health and wellbeing was a priority, 11% said it was an impossible reality due to rising inflation and the post-Christmas pinch.

Specsavers found that 12% who wore vision correction said they would have to cut back on eye care and only 19% intended to spend money on eye care this year. Additionally, 18% of spectacles wearers and 24% of contact lenses wearers said they would put off changing their eyewear or contact lenses even if their prescription changed.