Key purpose a 3rd of Brits with critical circumstances delay ‘sight-saving’ therapy

New Specsavers research found that ‘eye anxiety’ caused more than 30% of people with serious conditions to delay their treatment and risk their eyesight

View 2 Images

Almost a third of Brits diagnosed with serious eye conditions have delayed ‘sight-saving’ treatment due to anxiety, a shocking study has revealed.

New Specsavers research found nearly three in four people (73%) feel anxious about having treatment on their eyes, more than any other body part.

This is despite one in three (33%) having been diagnosed with a serious eye issue such as glaucoma, cataracts or AMD (age-related macular degeneration).

The study of 2,000 adults revealed ‘eye anxiety’ pushed (31%) to delay or postpone treatment potentially sight-saving treatment.

More than half (55%) of them waited four months or longer, while around one in 10 (11%) have still not sought treatment.

Specsavers say around one in 10 (12%) of those who postponed treatment go on to lose their eyesight completely.

This Morning presenter Alison Hammond has a history of glaucoma in her family and says that she understands the stress and anxiety people feel around eye treatment

The presenter has joined Preet Bhara, who is an optometry director at Specsavers Canley, in a three-part mini-series, The Recruit.

The YouTube series shows her how routine eye tests can detect sight-threatening conditions.

Alison also visited a state-of-the-art eye clinic Newmedica Birmingham to see what modern eye treatment looks like.

The 51-year-old was left emotional after hearing accounts of patients who had sight-saving procedures that impacted their lives.

Alison said: “Meeting people who were genuinely anxious about their eye surgery or treatment really stayed with me.

“I completely understand it, especially as someone with a family history of glaucoma.

“Your eyes are so precious so fear can take over when they are involved.

“After spending time with the teams at Specsavers and Newmedica and then seeing those same patients after their procedures, the difference was incredible.

“Seeing their relief and how much their confidence came back – that was genuinely emotional.

“It showed me just how life-changing the right care can be.”

Allison met age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patient Charles who is 78 and from Solihull, West Midlands.

Charles said: “When I was first told I needed injections in my eye to treat my AMD, I’ll admit I was petrified but the team at Newmedica put me at ease completely.

“After my first two injections, the blur affecting the vision in my left eye has already noticeably decreased.

“This improvement in my vision has made such a positive impact and allows me to continue living a full and independent life so I’m incredibly grateful I was seen so quickly.”

Ash Sharma, consultant ophthalmologist at Newmedica Birmingham, said: “By the time patients reach us for treatment, many are understandably anxious about the procedure and its results.

“But modern eye procedures are highly advanced, quick, and deliver excellent outcomes for the majority of people.

“Part of our role is helping patients feel informed and reassured so they feel confident seeking treatment sooner.

“Improving vision can have a profound impact on people’s overall quality of life.

Specsavers says two million people in the UK are living with sight loss.

They add that more than half are either blind or partially sighted as a result of an irreversible, long-term eye health condition, such as AMD and glaucoma, making early treatment vital.

Optometry director at Specsavers Canley, Preet Bhara, said: “Cataracts, glaucoma and AMD are among the leading causes of vision loss in the UK and collectively affect millions of people.

“While these conditions can often be picked up during a routine eye test, research shows a whopping 19 million people are failing to keep up with them.

“At Specsavers, our expert optometrists are trained to deliver comprehensive eye checks that can help to detect early signs of serious eye conditions.

“We recommend getting your eyes checked every two years as catching these conditions early can often be the difference between preserving someone’s eyesight and losing it.”

For more campaign information and to watch the exclusive mini-series, visit Specsavers’ YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/specsaversofficial