Millions of people who need glasses could be skipping sight tests, making do with poor vision and out-of-date prescriptions to cut costs.
Two-thirds of people who wear glasses say they are currently ‘putting off going to the opticians’ due to the cost of living crisis while 36% are wearing out-of-date prescriptions.1 One-fifth (19%) said they even rely on broken glasses.
Sight tests are essential
Sight tests should be every two years — or more often if recommended by an optometrist. Eyes require just as much care as the body, but we’re beginning to see many people wait until they notice significant problems before going to their optometrist because of increasing expenses.
In our latest Voice of Optometry survey of 876 optometrists, 7 in 10 said they have seen a patient in the last three months who needed vision correction but took no action because they couldn’t afford it.
Tests are for more than just blurry vision
A sight test is beneficial not just for checking your vision but for detecting early signs of eye conditions and underlying health conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes. Getting one should be seen as a necessity and not a luxury.
Sight tests should be every two years — or more often if recommended by an optometrist.
Eye care access routes
Support is available to many people who need it. A fully-funded sight test is available through the NHS if you are aged 60 or over or if you receive certain means-tested benefits. Young people are also entitled. People under 16 (or under 18 and in full-time education); on leave from prison; or prescribed complex lenses can get a voucher for glasses.
For those who don’t qualify, some employers may fund eye care and contribute to the cost of glasses or contact lenses. While there is help available, many people struggle to cope with rising costs, which is why we have been calling for changes to the NHS optical voucher so that it reflects the impact of inflation on eyewear costs.
The AOP has resources to explain the eligibility criteria for an NHS sight test and information on how to access eye care. For more information including the help available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, visit www.aop.org.uk/costofliving
[1] Research carried out online among 1,002 people in the UK who either require vision correction (852 respondents), believe they require vision correction (120) or are responsible for a family member who requires vision correction (30). The fieldwork took place in October 2022 and adhered to MRS guidelines.
