24 September 2024
The number of people in the UK who are not having routine sight tests has been revealed by the organisers of National Eye Health Week.
Launched to mark the beginning of the annual awareness week, the research estimates that 19 million British people are failing to have regular eye tests.
Eye Health UK commissioned a OnePoll survey of 2000 adults in the UK, finding that people from low-income households, men, and people from minority ethnic backgrounds were most likely to have skipped a recent eye test.
The research suggests that 2.5 million people over the age of 65 have not had their eyes checked in the last two years.
Missing from the appointment books
The research by Eye Health UK explored the numbers of UK adults who were missing their regular eye tests. A survey of 2000 UK adults found:
36%
admitted they have not had an eye test in the last two years
44%
of men surveyed have not had an eye test in the last two years
36%
of women respondents have not had an eye test in the last two years
David Cartwright, optometrist and chair of Eye Health UK, urged those who have not had an eye examination in the last two years to book an appointment.
“High Street optometrists play a crucial role in improving health opportunities for all,” Cartwright said.
He commented: “As well as caring for the nation’s eye health and preventing avoidable sight loss, optometrists can direct people to get the help they need for a wide range of illnesses, including the 400,000 adults in the UK estimated to be living with undiagnosed heart failure and 88,000 people living with undetected brain tumours.”
Eye Health UK highlighted that routine eye tests are essential for the prevention of poor health in identifying both issues with sight, as well as other conditions, and also noted the links between poor vision and life-limiting conditions.
Research by the organisation illustrated the effect that poor eye health has on the daily lives of UK residents, with around half (49%) of adults in the UK reporting that the quality of their vision affects their ability to do, or enjoy, daily activities such as household chores, driving, reading, and hobbies.
The research indicated that more than half (55%) of people living in households with an annual income of less than £10,000 had not had an eye test in the last two years, compared to one third (33%) of those living in households with an annual income of more than £90,000.
Cartwright commented: “NHS-funded provision means eye care services are accessible for all. Free sight tests and optical vouchers are available for many, including those on low incomes and people at increased risk of poor eye health due to age or medical history.”
“People unable to leave their home unaided are entitled to free domiciliary eye tests, whilst local integrated care boards or local NHS area teams commission translation and interpretation services ensuring a patient’s language or communication skills are not barriers to eye care,” he added.
To mark National Eye Health Week, organisations will share advice and guidance for protecting the eyes and highlight the importance of maintaining routine appointments. Read how businesses and charities across the sector are recognising the awareness week on OT.
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