Publish date: 21 September 2023
A national campaign has launched to encourage people to ‘get back into the habit’ of having regular eye tests, as data shows 4.7 million NHS sight tests have been lost since the pandemic disrupted people’s healthcare routines and 1 in 5 have postponed or cancelled a sight test in the past year due to cost concerns.
The campaign, part of National Eye Health Week (18-24 September), comes as health analysts predict a million more Brits will suffer one of the four main causes of blindness in the next decade; with cases of late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – the UK’s leading cause of sight loss – estimated to rise 25% by 2032.
Regular sight tests are essential health checks for everyone, even if you think your eyes are fine, as damage may be done before you notice it yourself and your optometrist can detect microscopic changes inside the eye. In fact, they can spot glaucoma years before you notice a change in your vision! Changes within the eye can lead to refractive error (short- or long-sight), eye disease and other vision ailments, and can also indicate underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, risk of stroke and heart disease.
Anyone worried about the cost of eye care should discuss their entitlement to NHS services and other affordable eye care options with their local optician. There are options to suit every budget, so fear of cost should not be a barrier to caring for your vision and eye health.