• New research by Specsavers shows a whopping 72% of Brits want to prioritise their health in 2023, but one in ten (11%) say it’s an impossible reality due to the cost-of-living crisis

• Eye care is one of the first to go with nearly a quarter (24%) of contact lenses and glass (18%) wearers saying they’ll cut back on costs even if their prescription changes

• Specsavers is rallying the nation not to forgo their eye health with advice on FREE eye tests, contact lenses and cut cost prescription glasses

20th January 2023 – New research by Specsavers has revealed that 73% of Brits are concerned that they will struggle financially more than usual this January, with over a third (34%) unsure if they can afford health and wellbeing priorities amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The poll of 2000 UK adults showed that looking after health and wellbeing is a key priority for over three quarters of Brit’s in 2023, but one in ten (11%) says it’s an impossible reality due to rising inflation and the post-Christmas pinch.

In many cases, eye care is the first to go: one in ten (12%) Brit’s who wear contact lenses or glasses have said they’ll cut back on eye care because of their worsening financial situation. What’s more, 18% of glasses wearers and a quarter (24%) of contact lens wearers say they’ll put off changing their glasses or lenses – even if their prescription changed.

One in five (18%) of glasses wearers also admitted they would stick with their current pair of glasses if they broke - and only a fifth of the population (19%) say they intend to spend money on eye care, eye tests or eyewear this year at all.

Research from the Association of Optometrists (AOP) last year also highlighted that nearly a third of people in the UK are wearing glasses belonging to friends and family, or glasses with out-of-date prescription lenses, as methods of getting by.

Commenting on the concerning findings, Specsavers’ Clinical Services Director Giles Edmonds said: ‘We know this is a difficult time for many but wearing the wrong prescription or broken lenses can impact your eyes, with symptoms including eye strain and headaches. More worryingly, it can also contribute to trips and falls – one of the biggest causes of hospital visits for older people.

'Avoiding visiting the opticians or putting off regular eye tests could also be detrimental to your health. Conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts, can often be symptomless for years, so eye tests are the only way to catch them early to help avoid irreversible vision loss. We understand that a lot of people are very financially stretched this January, so we want to ensure people are aware of the affordable eye care and support available to them, including those eligible for free eye tests or optical vouchers via the NHS and Specsavers'.

The eligibility criteria for free NHS eye tests is extensive and includes people aged 60 or over, those under 18 in full-time education and anyone diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma. If you are over 40 and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma you are also eligible. You're also entitled if you, your partner - or if under the age of 20 your dependant - is receiving income support. Scottish residents aged 16-60 can have a free NHS-funded eye test every two years and in the Isle of Man eye tests are free to anyone on the NHS.

In a number of cases the NHS will also give an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses, so booking an appointment with your local optometrist to discuss options could be a useful way to access free eye care this January. To find out whether you qualify for a free eye test or a voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses visit specsavers.co.uk/glasses/nhs-eye-test or ask in store.

For those who are ineligible for the free NHS eye services, Specsavers provide great value prescription glasses and recently dropped their entry level prescription glasses from £19 to £15.

For those looking to try contact lenses this New Year, Specsavers also offer free trials so you can try before you buy.

To book an appointment or browse the range of glasses and lenses, visit www.specsavers.co.uk

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