London: British men are seriously neglecting their eyes, according to a national study for Vision Express, the UK national chain of optometrists.
A poll of more than 2,000 men and women found that more than two-thirds of men (67%) have spent nothing on eye care in the last 12 months in contrast to 53% of women.
Men said that hair care was a higher priority, with investment in hair care dwarfing investment in eye care over a twelve month period. 80% have spent money on hair care and 34% have spent £50 or more in the last 12 months.
The study also found that women are twice as likely to invest in hair care as they are in eye care, which attracts similar levels of investment to amounts spent on nail care or foot care.
It seems crazy that we spend more on our appearance than we do on preserving our ability to see, said Bryan Magrath, CEO of Vision Express. Our eye sight is vital and is under all sorts of pressures in the workplace and in our leisure time. An eye exam should be part of our annual health regime.
Recent trials of new digital retinal cameras at Vision Express found that in one in 20 examinations, patients were referred to the NHS for specialist examination due to the detection of anomalies. Vision Express has just completed the £multi-million roll-out of the new digital retinal cameras, capable of taking images of the interior of the eye.
The study also found that across the adult population, the 18-24 year old age group are most neglectful of their eye sight. Nearly one in 10 (8%) in this age bracket claim to have never had their eyes tested.
Vision Express is partnering with the Institute of Ophthalmology this year to explore further improvements in eye examination techniques across its national network of more than 300 High Street locations. The partnership forms part of Vision Expresss commitment to being the leading High Street specialist in eye care and eye health.
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About Vision Express
Vision Express is one of Britains leading chains of opticians, with a national network of more than 300 stores. Built on a passion for the optical profession and a drive for unparalleled customer service, Vision Express opened the first ‘one hour’ Opticians in 1988 and remains the pioneer of a genuine one-hour service today. Vision Express is part of Europe’s largest optical retailing network that includes eye care brands Grand Optical, Solaris and Generale D’Optique.