13 June 2019
Research released by the charity Orbis today (13 June) has found that 53% of Brits are not getting their eyes tested every two years, with a further 11% unable to remember when they last visited the opticians.
The survey of 2000 people also highlighted a disparity in attitudes towards eye health as a result of age, reporting that those over the age of 55 were twice as likely to have their eyes tested every two years (62%) when compared to 18–24-year-olds (28%).
With research predicting that global blindness is set to triple by 2050, Orbis highlighted that “Brits need to be more aware of how to protect their sight and more inclined to access the services the UK has to offer.”
Speaking about the findings, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at a stoke Mandeville Hospital, Larry Benjamin, who volunteers with Orbis, said: “The results highlight a worrying lack of action when it comes to people’s vision.”
Orbis is an international charity that works to prevent avoidable blindness around the world.
Mr Benjamin said: “I have trained fellow doctors all around the world and have seen the devastating consequences that a lack of access to eye care can have on someone’s future...We’re lucky that we have the NHS to help us when we experience difficulties.”
Orbis’ current See My Future campaign aims to raise awareness of children’s eye care and education globally. Donations made by 23 June will be doubled by the UK Government.
The survey of 2000 people also highlighted a disparity in attitudes towards eye health as a result of age, reporting that those over the age of 55 were twice as likely to have their eyes tested every two years (62%) when compared to 18–24-year-olds (28%).
With research predicting that global blindness is set to triple by 2050, Orbis highlighted that “Brits need to be more aware of how to protect their sight and more inclined to access the services the UK has to offer.”
Speaking about the findings, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at a stoke Mandeville Hospital, Larry Benjamin, who volunteers with Orbis, said: “The results highlight a worrying lack of action when it comes to people’s vision.”
Orbis is an international charity that works to prevent avoidable blindness around the world.
Mr Benjamin said: “I have trained fellow doctors all around the world and have seen the devastating consequences that a lack of access to eye care can have on someone’s future...We’re lucky that we have the NHS to help us when we experience difficulties.”
Orbis’ current See My Future campaign aims to raise awareness of children’s eye care and education globally. Donations made by 23 June will be doubled by the UK Government.
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