A NEW report paints a stark picture of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on eye health in Britain – with experts warning of a ‘ticking timebomb’ and significant fallout for years to come. The State of the UK’s Eye Health 2021 report, commissioned by Specsavers in collaboration with leading eye health experts and charities, counts not only the additional financial burden now facing society but, more worryingly, the real cost to people’s sight.
With more than 4.3 million fewer eye examinations provided (a 23% drop) and more than 235,000 necessary eye hospital appointments missed or delayed throughout the pandemic, eye health experts are predicting a surge of referrals to ophthalmology services, which are already stretched. Early detection and management of eye conditions is vital so any delay could be detrimental.
