AN eye test and the resulting prescriptions are too costly for many people. A survey of 2,000 adults who wear glasses, by EuroEyes, found 34 per cent skip eye tests to save money, and a third cannot afford their monthly contact lens subscription. You only need a check-up every two years, the NHS says, unless you are concerned and have worsening eyesight.
An eye test could also save your life by indicating signs of heart disease , diabetes , multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some people are entitled to a free NHS eye test every two years. This includes those under 16, 16 to 18-year-olds in education, over-60s, those who have diabetes and those who are registered as partially sighted or blind.
You’re also entitled if you have glaucoma, or if a close relative has it and you are over 40, or if you or your partner receive income support, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving income support. There are also ten types of vouchers to help pay for glasses. To find out more, visit the NHS website and search “eye tests”.
If you’re not eligible, shop around for the best price privately and see if you can pay for services on finance, if it is suitable for you. Here’s what readers have asked me this week. Q: PLEASE can you tell me if there is a cure for damaged nerve ends in your feet or any kind of medication you can take to help the pain? It’s terrible to see my wife, who is 74, in such terrible discomfort.
She canno.