Local health champion urges people to speak up on eye care
The patient's champion wants to find out what is working well for people who use eye health services locally - including any barriers to care that you're facing, like difficulty getting appointments or high costs.
An estimated 50% of sight loss is avoidable. That is why it is essential to have your eyesight tested regularly and, if there is a problem, get help.
Healthwatch will use your feedback to improve eye care services in the local community.
The survey, which closes on 29 September, is available online: https://bit.ly/eye-care-survey
One person in their early 40s told Healthwatch about dealing with worsening eyesight. They said they can no longer afford the special glasses they need due to financial issues caused by ill health, retirement, and rising living costs.
"Since the cost-of-living crisis, everything else is so expensive that even with my NHS voucher I simply can't afford new glasses. I've had my current pair now for five years and I've had to stop driving because my eyesight is so bad.
"I can no longer watch the big TV at home as I can't see it. I can't go out alone as I've lost my confidence as I can't see properly.
"I'm worried that I'm no longer regularly monitored for my eye health despite a family history of conditions like glaucoma.
"The cost of purchasing glasses had gone up astronomically but the voucher value hasn't kept up, hence I'm now effectively priced out of having eye care and being able to see.”
