NEW research has revealed that people in Southampton are confused about who is entitled to free eye tests.

In the city, 46 per cent of adults do not realise that 16-19 year olds in full time education are entitled to free eye tests, while more than a third are not aware that the over 60s are eligible, according to new research for Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire, based in Whiteley.

Local eye experts are calling for greater understanding as 15 per cent of Southampton adults mistakenly think that all UK citizens are eligible, and 40 per cent do not realise those on income support can have free eye tests.

Alarmingly, 93 per cent of UK optometrists say up to a quarter of their patients come to them with eye problems too late to treat.

Seema Verma, ophthalmic surgeon and chief medical officer at Optegra Eye Health Care, the specialist eye hospital group, says: “We are concerned that people may be missing out on essential tests due to worry about payment; when in fact many can have the test for free simply by visiting their local optician and completing a form. They can then rest assured that their vision and eye health is good – or receive advice or treatment as needed.”

Rather than being concerned about eye health, the research for Optegra shows that the main prompts for adults to book an eye test are: a free offer or discount (according to 30 per cent); necessity due to a broken frame (for 28 per cent); or simply a fashion-led decision, as 11 per cent admit it’s purely because they want a new style of frame.

Ms Verma, however, points out the medical importance of these tests.

She says: “Our research shows that only 45 per cent of adults realise they can have free eye tests if someone in their family has glaucoma, or if you personally have glaucoma or diabetes.

“And even when probed only 23 per cent in the survey said they would have more eye checks if there was a history of glaucoma in their family. This suggests a lack of understanding about this serious condition. Glaucoma can be hereditary and the best chance of retaining sight is to detect the disease as early as possible. There are few early symptoms, so if you are aged over 40 and have a blood relative with glaucoma, you can have a free NHS eye test.”

Currently 67 per cent of optometrists say that glaucoma is the condition which patients are most surprised about when diagnosed – it is a common condition, but many have no idea they have it as there are not always symptoms in the early stages.

The research also highlighted that eye tests are even more important as tech use escalates. Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of optometrists have seen an increase in tech-related eye strain over the past five years.

This comes as little surprise considering 32 per cent of adults admit to using computers up to three hours a day; with a further 22 per cent using computers up to five hours a day. In addition, 48 per cent use smartphones up to three hours a day.

Of the optometrists interviewed, 100 per cent confirmed there is a link between technology use and eye strain; and 41 per cent stated it can affect eye health.