More than four million pensioners are needlessly risking depression and bad falls because they are failing to have regular eye tests according to a new report published to mark 'National Eye Week' (December 10-16).
Commissioned by the Eyecare Trust and the Central (LOC) Fund, the Sight after Sixty report found that one in three OAPs who missed regular sight checks said the quality of their vision caused them to feel depressed and vulnerable.
According to the report a massive 96 per cent of those aged over 60 require some form of vision correction. However, more than four million OAPs across the UK are missing out on vital NHS tests every year - despite more than a quarter of those surveyed saying that the quality of their vision restricts their daily routine and more than half are prevented from reading books and magazines.
Fear of cost seemed to be a major barrier to many older people caring for their eyes, as 30 per cent of those surveyed believed it would 'cost a lot of money' - even though eye examinations for the over-60s have been free since April 1999. Many housebound pensioners were also failing to take advantage of the domiciliary services available to them.
Iain Anderson, chairman of the Eyecare Trust, said: 'It's unforgivable that elderly people are left feeling depressed and vulnerable when sight loss in older people is often avoidable.
'Poor vision is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. Almost a third of all visual impairment in people aged over 75 is solely caused by wearing the wrong glasses or no glasses at all. Regular eye examinations are also vital to ensure the early detection of a range of age-related eye conditions that can often be easily managed.'
The report also highlighted research which has shown that 75 per cent of older people who suffered a fall as a result of poor vision had a visual impairment that was easily correctable.