Looking into the cost of Blindness

Annette Brooke MP recently met up with the Eye Health Alliance to learn more about the importance of eye health and regular sight tests.

Annette said: "Many people just don't look after their eyes - I was shocked to learn that 50% of blindness in the UK could have been prevented through regular sight tests and screening programmes. Even if you think your vision is fine it is still important to check your eyes are healthy." Annette had the back of her retina photographed with a retinal camera, which can pick up conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

The results of a recent study indicate that partial sight and blindness places a large economic cost on the UK, totalling £22 billion in 2008, much of which could have been avoided with an increase in take-up of regular sight tests. Additionally, these costs are expected to grow to £7.88 billion by 2013, partly as a result of an ageing population and an increase in the number of people living with long term conditions. Therefore, the early detection of conditions through screening and testing, such as eye examinations, will play an increasing role in health services across the nation.

Eye tests are readily available on the high street. Many groups of people are entitled to a free NHS Sight Test such as all children under 16, those aged 60 and over and those on low incomes.