The cost of eyecare is putting some people at risk of avoidable sight loss
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.
Yet Healthwatch England's new research found that costs associated with visiting opticians are deterring those on the lowest incomes from getting regular eye tests. Researchers 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.
Additional costs may put off patients
As people face rising eye care costs and lack of financial support, many high street opticians, which are private businesses, increasingly rely on generating income through offering services in addition to eye tests. This practice has made some people reluctant to visit optician services at all.
Most (84%) of the respondents to the survey were eligible for free eye tests. However, many people eligible for financial support for their eye care may put off getting eye care because they are concerned about being pushed into paying for products or services they can’t afford.
In recent years, the real-terms value of NHS optical vouchers has also dropped by over 30%, and the value of the NHS sight test fee by even more. This, alongside significant changes to eligibility for some benefits, puts pressure on both customers and opticians.
Healthwatch England set out the following steps to protect people from the rising impact of eye care costs:
- The Department of Health and Social Care should review support for the costs of NHS eye care for those on the lowest incomes.
- The Government and the NHS should consider a targeted communications campaign through direct channels to low-income eye care patients.
- The primary eye care sector should have clear guidelines for how staff should assist those on lower incomes without affecting their confidence in seeking care.
