Financial crisis could put eyesight at risk

From the BBC:

The credit crunch could mean more people going blind as they avoid eye checks to save money, warns a charity.

Action for Blind People found over a quarter of 2,350 adults polled had not had an eye test in the past two years, and of those 30% blamed cost.

The charity says a million UK people have sight loss that could have been prevented.
At around £24, the cost of a check-up is a small price to pay compared to losing your sight, it says.

Experts say the maximum time a person should go between tests should be two years - unless advised otherwise by an optician.

Richard Tolson of Action for Blind People said: "It is understandable that people are worrying about their finances at this difficult time; however there are many options for those who need help.

"We are urging the general public to make sure that they don't cut back on getting their eyes tested this year. We feel it's a New Year's resolution worth making."

Eye tests are available free on the NHS for certain groups including those at risk of glaucoma, people on low incomes and the over-60s in England.

In Scotland free NHS eyes tests are available at any age.

Employees who use a computer for most of their work can also have a sight test paid for by their employer.

Dr David Bull, of current affairs shows The Wright Stuff and Watchdog Healthcheck, said: "The cost of an eye test is a small price to pay compared to the devastating cost of losing your sight."

Some sight-threatening conditions, such as glaucoma, have no symptoms and could cause a person to lose up to 40% of their sight before they notice a difference. An eye test can pick up these conditions.

A spokeswoman for the Royal National Institute of Blind People said: "The cost of glasses or getting to the optician needn't be a barrier to having an eye test.

"If you are on a low income or on benefits you could be entitled to an NHS voucher to help towards the cost of glasses.

"And those who have difficulty getting out to a test can have an optician visit them at home.

"All you need to do is contact your local optician who can either provide this service or refer you to one who does.

"We strongly urge everyone to have regular eye tests. If you wait till you think something is wrong it may already be too late to save your sight."