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26% ‘Put-up’ With Headaches Rather Than See Optician
Eyecare survey reveals alarming attitudes to eye health in East Anglia as headaches go untreated
Eyecare survey reveals alarming attitudes to eye health in East Anglia as headaches go untreated.
A survey showing how well we look after our eyesight has revealed that 26% of people in East Anglia confess to ‘putting up’ with painful headaches linked to poor vision rather than seeking help from an optician.
The survey of 3,000 people was commissioned by the www.eyelovelocal.co.uk and was conducted by One Poll.
It shows just how little care people take these days with their eyesight, with 23% admitting to not having been for an eye test for more than two years, despite 43% thinking they would benefit.
Even more worrying is that 39% said they would only go to the opticians if there was a problem with their eyesight. Conversely, 75% of those surveyed value their eyesight above all their other four senses including hearing, touch, taste and smell.
Analysing the findings of the survey is Gavin Rebello, Partner at award-winning opticians, Patrick and Menzies: “It’s worrying that even painful headaches aren’t enough to force people into going for an eye test and that so many people are putting their eye health at risk by not visiting an optician on a regular basis.
“Eye health is vitally important and it’s only when people are faced with serious sight problems that they do something about it, said Gavin.”
The Eye Love My Local Independent Optician campaign is keen to highlight that independent opticians have been an integral part of community life for decades and continue to play a vital role in serving the eye care needs of local people.
Gavin added: “We’d like to see more people placing greater emphasis on the health of their eyes and in doing so discover the value of visiting an independent optician.”
The survey also found that 29% of respondents preferred to visit their local independent and over half acknowledged the quality of care and service an independent optician provides, with 48% agreeing that independents are an important part of community life.
“Independent opticians are highly skilled professionals that take the time to understand a person and their lifestyle when reviewing the health of their eyes. As more and more independent businesses come under pressure to survive, independent opticians are thriving by offering great eye care and eye wear for all the family.
“I’d urge anyone who hasn’t had their eyes examined in the last two years to get in touch with their local independent optician”, Gavin remarked.
The Sight Care Group is a not-for profit organisation working to promote the values of independent optical practices. It is launching the Eye Love My Local Independent Optician nationwide awareness campaign to promote independent practices in their local community.
People can find out more about their local independent practice and get tips and advice on taking care of their eyes by visiting the Eye Love My Local Independent Optician campaign website: www.eyelovelocal.co.uk