High cost perceptions harming eye health

Limited awareness of eye health and the perceived cost of spectacles have been identified as major patient barriers for optical practices to overcome.

Poorer people were often unaware that NHS optical vouchers could make eyewear more affordable, according to research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Evidence from five areas across the UK will now be used to launch interventions including local glaucoma services and awareness campaigns.

The cost and retail element associated with a trip to the optometrist was identified as a barrier to primary eye care services by the RNIB.

David Allen, head of sight loss prevention at the RNIB, said: 'The fact it was a retail setting was a challenge in itself for a health interaction.'