One in 20 people in the UK have never had their sight tested, according to a survey commissioned by the Eye Love My Local Independent Optician campaign.
Other results from the campaign showed millions of office workers spending too long in front of computers and ignoring advice to get their sight tested regularly, despite entitlement to free eye-care subsidies from their employers.
Half of the 2,000 respondents were unaware that tension in their head, neck or shoulders could be a sign that they needed an eye test. A similar number didn't recognise dizziness as a visual cause for concern, while nearly two-thirds did not associate fatigue with eye problems.
Paul Surridge, chief executive of Sight Care, organisers of the campaign, commented: 'Spring is a key time in the calendar for us to take stock of the situation and do something about it. The research is staggering and confirms what we in the optical profession have thought for a while, people are neglecting their eye health.'
Informing patients of the importance of regular sight tests, optometrist Polly Dulley of Aves Optometrists in Epping said: 'Many general health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol, can be identified as part of a routine eye examination. In addition, regular eye tests help in early diagnosis of common eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Treatment of these conditions in the early stages can be vital to help prevent sight loss.'
To find out more about the campaign, visit www.eyelovelocal.co.uk
