• A NEW survey by Britain’s largest optical retailer has revealed that 65 per cent of the population is currently overdue a routine eye test, with almost half not even budgeting for one.

According to the survey it’s not just adults that are putting their eyes at risk as more than half of parents polled admitted to not taking their children for regular appointments.

Understandably the coronavirus has been a significant reason for people not attending their biannual appointment but, with the majority now open for routine appointments, nearly a quarter of the population still haven’t rebooked.

More than half of those who took part in the survey had serious concerns around visiting the optician during the current pandemic.

But Visually Impaired in Camden would encourage everyone who is overdue one to book an appointment. And to take their eye health seriously, with the assurance that it is safe to do so.

Delays in people seeking treatment during lockdown and reduced capacity in optical practice has put people at increased risk of sight loss.

So VIC is now urging anyone who notices a change in their vision or has concerns about their or their family’s eye health to contact their optician. Even vision that is only slightly reduced can have a tangible influence on quality of life.

So it’s important that people seek help sooner rather than later especially as much sight loss can be avoided if detected early.

ROSEMARY NICHOLSON
Visually Impaired in Camden