The UK’s eye health is at risk as 97% of NHS trusts fail to meet patient waiting time targets for hospital eye appointments. Out of 111 NHS trusts, 108 have missed the target waiting time of 92% of patients waiting less than 18 weeks for an appointment as of December 2024, putting people’s vision in jeopardy, according to prescription glasses specialist Feel Good Contacts. A study of 2,000 Brits revealed that one in three (33%) haven’t completed an eye test within the last two years, despite it being the recommended time between appointments. The Royal National Institute of Blind People has noted that 80% of Brits suffering from vision loss are aged 65 and above, yet one third (35%) of this group admit to not going for regular eye tests. Additionally, two in five Brits (42%) don’t believe £30 is a good value for an eye test, despite it being one of the most affordable health checks available. This sentiment is even more prevalent among those aged 45 and above, with more than half expressing the same view. However, it is during this age that common eye conditions start to develop, making early detection essential for effective management. While treatment for most eye conditions is available on the NHS, long waiting times for ophthalmology appointments are pushing patients towards expensive private options. Patients seeking private treatment for eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) face hefty costs, with some treatments running into the thousands of pounds. Khuram Sarwar, Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts, stressed the importance of investing in eye health, especially between the ages of 40 and 60 when the risk of serious conditions heightens. Early intervention through regular eye exams can help preserve vision and detect potential eye diseases before noticeable symptoms arise, preventing irreversible damage. NHS England has been contacted for comment.