RESEARCH released today reveals that despite 82pc of Great Yarmouth residents fearing sight loss above all other senses, almost 20pc have not had an eye examination in the last five years.

RESEARCH released today reveals that despite 82pc of Great Yarmouth residents fearing sight loss above all other senses, almost 20pc have not had an eye examination in the last five years.

The findings also show that only one fifth of people are aware that opticians recommend that people should have a regular eye examination every two years.

Today's report marks the first National Eye Health Week, which runs until Sunday, has been launched by a collaboration of healthcare bodies, charities and retailers, from across the eyecare sector under the banner Vision Matters.

David Scott-Ralphs, Chief Executive of SeeAbility and Chair of National Eye Health Week said: “This week is a personalised call for everyone in Great Yarmouth and across the country to have a regular eye examination as a crucial part of every regular healthcare routine, just like going to the dentist.

“The survey findings released today are astonishing when you consider that, of the 1.8m people in the UK living with some degree of sight loss, more than half of these cases could be helped with a simple eye examination or a new glasses prescription, yet many don't give their eye health enough importance.

“From today, our aim is to ensure that more people are aware just how much their vision matters.”

When asked why they did not visit the opticians, almost two in five people say they have not experienced any problems that would warrant an eye test, while over a third do not think it is necessary and just under one fifth are worried about the cost.

For further information about eyecare, NHS entitlements and health advice, log on to www.visionmatters.org.uk or www.specsavers.com.