Eye care costs a barrier for people on low incomes
An estimated 50% of sight loss is avoidable. That's why it’s vital that people can have their eyesight tested regularly and get the help they need if there is a problem.
New research by Healthwatchwatch has now revealed costs of additional eye care services are likely to deter some people from visiting opticians altogether.
Healthwatch carried out an online survey of people’s eye care experiences between July and September 2024, following concerns people shared with us about the cost of eye care. It found one in seven, 14%, of people who responded to the self-selecting survey had avoided eye care due to cost in the last two years.
Highlights of Healthwatch research
- NHS vouchers to help meet eye care costs has fallen by over 30% in real terms, putting pressure on high street opticians to cover costs in other ways.
- People describe regular visits to the opticians as vital in maintaining eye health, but some avoidable eye care problems risk not being identified if costs are putting some people off attending appointments.
- We're calling for a review of eye care support, to ensure additional costs do not deter those on the lowest incomes from visiting opticians.
