More than half the population overdue an eye test
Posted: Friday 18 September 2020
A new survey by Vision Express has revealed that 65 per cent of the population is currently overdue a routine eye test - with almost half not even budgeting for one.
According to the survey, it’s not just adults that are putting their eyes at risk, as more than half of parents polled by Vision Express admitted to not taking their children for regular appointments.
In National Eye Health Week, Vision Express, which is is donating £3 for every test to the Macular Society in September, is calling all adults and children to take their eye health seriously, as it is an important health check up for everyone.
Understandably, the coronavirus has been a significant reason for people not attending their bi-annual appointment, but with the majority now open for routine appointments, nearly a quarter of the population still haven’t rebooked. More than half of those who took part in the survey said they had serious concerns around visiting the optician during the current pandemic.
But, Vision Express is encouraging everyone to book an appointment this month to take their eye health seriously and are assuring everyone that is safe to do so.
Dan McGhee, professional services director at Vision Express, said: We are encouraging everyone to love their eyes as much as we do and to make eye health a top priority and to remind people that an eye test. The research shows we as a nation worryingly invest more in our personal grooming and Netflix subscriptions than our eye health, which if neglected can have irreversible and devastating effects.
“We hope people really get behind us and support our campaign and by doing so will be helping us to find a cure for the leading cause of blindness.”
David Cartwright, optometrist and chairman of Eye Health UK, the charity responsible for National Eye Health Week, added: "Delays in people seeking treatment during lockdown and reduced capacity in optical practice has put people at increased risk of sight loss so we’re urging anyone who notices a change in their vision or has concerns about their or their family’s eye health to contact their local optician.
"Even vision that is only slightly reduced can have a tangible influence on quality of life so it’s important that people seek help sooner rather than later especially as much sight loss can be avoided if detected early.”
National Eye Health Week, which take place this week, promotes the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.