Six million people are risking sight loss by cutting corners to save cash, according to YouGuv research to mark National Eye Health Week (NEHW), which started on Monday.
Millions of adults across Britain do not go for regular sight tests because they believe they cannot afford to (13 per cent of the population as a whole), with 43 per cent risking their sight and health by not having regular examinations. More than nine in 10 people know about the wider health benefits of sight tests, but this is not resulting in people visiting their optometrist.
NEHW chairman David Scott-Ralphs commented: 'This is a massive public health issue. Many people do understand the importance of a sight test, but there is great concern that they are still avoiding having one, often citing cost grounds. Many people qualify for a free NHS sight test and may also qualify for help with the cost of spectacles or contact lenses.'
The research revealed that cost was even more of a barrier to good eye health for women as over a third (34 per cent) have put off buying new glasses or contact lenses as they thought they could not afford them.
The Sight Care campaign Eye Love My Local Independent Optician urged new and lapsed patients to have an eye exam as part of NEHW. In a recent survey conducted by www.eyelovelocal.co.uk, more than two million people admitted to never having their eyes tested, despite over half thinking they would benefit from an eye test.
Also coinciding with NEHW, the Royal National Institute for Blind People targeted students in Nottinghamshire as part of its Future Vision tour. The charity brought its virtual ageing photo booth around colleges to raise awareness of simple steps people could take to reduce the risk of avoidable blindness. This was part of Nottingham's Sight Matters Week, hosted by the Low Vision Services Committee.
The RNIB's research has found that almost two million people are living with sight loss in the UK, but more than 50 per cent of sight loss can be avoided. It recommended not smoking and having regular eye tests as effective ways to reduce the risk of serious disease when older.
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust held a health promotion event alongside key partner organisations to mark NEHW. It worked with the International Glaucoma Association, the RNIB, Diabetes UK, Thyroid Eye Disease charitable trust and local smoking cessation leads to offer information, with the aim of raising eye health awareness and encouraging patients to have regular eye examinations so that problems could be diagnosed quickly.
Moorfields' outpatient matron Hewlyn Heywood said: 'We want patients to feel empowered when thinking about eye care. Our partners have joined us because many factors can affect the health of our eyes and a patient deserves all-round support with their health.'