The True Cost Of Skipping Eye Tests

Maintaining good vision is essential for our overall wellbeing, but how much does it really cost to maintain good vision, and what happens when we put off essential eye care?

To find out, we surveyed 2,000 UK adults about their eye health habits, analysed NHS ophthalmology wait times.

The results were eye-opening, and they reveal a concerning trend: a significant number of Brits are putting off eye tests, either due to cost concerns or long wait times for appointments, despite the potential long-term savings that early detection can provide.

In this article, our certified opticians analyse:

• The trust cost of skipping regular eye tests, including how much people end up spending when they delay care and which UK cities are most and least diligent about eye health.
• The reasons people ignore vision problems, from financial concerns to long NHS wait times.
• How much Brits think they spend on eye care versus the reality, using actual pricing data to highlight the gap between perception and reality.

Are eye tests worth the cost? Public perception vs reality

Eye tests are often dismissed as an unnecessary expense, but they’re one of the most affordable health checks available, costing as little as £30.

One of the most striking findings from our research is that a third of Brits (33%) have not had an eye test in the last two years, despite NHS recommendations that adults should have one at least every two years.

Surprisingly, only around half (58%) of Brits believe eye tests are good value for money, while two in five (20%) acknowledge their importance but still don’t go. Another 20% don’t believe they’re necessary, though they end up getting them anyway.

Are older adults undervaluing their eye health?

Our research reveals a concerning trend when it comes to routine eye tests across different age groups.

While the majority (65%) of those aged 65 and over have had an eye test in the last two years, this number drops to just 50% among individuals with age between 18–24.

Even in middle age, when eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration become more common, a significant number of people are skipping regular check-ups.

Nearly half (44%) of 35-54-year-olds are not attending an eye test within the recommended timeframe; thousands risk missing early detection of serious conditions that could lead to long-term vision problems. But it’s not just attendance that declines with age, so does the perceived value of eye tests.

Among 45-54 year olds, only 52% believe that £30 is a good value for an eye test. This drops even further to 50% among 55-64-year-olds and remains low at 52% for those over 65.

This suggests that just as eye health becomes even more critical, fewer people see the financial benefit from regular check-ups.

Worryingly, half of those aged 45+ not only skip regular eye tests but also don’t believe they’re worth the cost, despite the potential savings from early detection.

Which UK cities are neglecting eye health the most?

When we analysed the data by location, some stark contrasts emerged.

Norwich has the lowest attendance, with less than half (48%) of residents having had an eye test in the last two years. This makes it the least diligent city in the UK when it comes to eye care.

Belfast (50%) and Edinburgh (52%) also ranked low, suggesting that a significant portion of residents may be neglecting their vision.

In contrast, Manchester leads the way in terms of eye health, with 65% of its population keeping up with regular eye tests, closely followed by Cardiff (64%) and Southampton (63%).

These findings suggest that attitudes towards eye care vary significantly across the UK, with some cities prioritising their vision health far more than others.

Age is also a factor; many over 40 are skipping appointments, even though this is when vision problems typically begin.

The long-term financial cost of neglecting eye health

While skipping an eye test might seem like a good way to save money, it could actually lead to huge costs down the line.

Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration can be easier (and cheaper) to manage when caught early.

Our expert Tina Patel, Contact Lens Optician), explains: “Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, develop silently without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Routine eye exams can detect these issues before they cause irreversible damage, potentially saving both eyesight and money in the long run.”

Without timely detection, private treatment can cost thousands.

For glaucoma, private laser treatment cost ranges between £3,000 and £5,000. If a person had an eye test every two years for 20 years (£300 total) and detected this early, they could save up to £2,700, an average of £135–£235 per year.

For cataracts, private treatment starts from £1,995 and can even exceed £4,725. Regular eye tests could help prevent the need for such treatment, potentially saving between £1,700 and £4,400, or an average of £85–£220 per year.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment often includes a series of injections, which start at £650 per injection. With at least three injections required, plus a £300 consultation fee, the total cost can easily exceed £2,250. Regular eye tests could save at least £1,950 over 20 years here, or £97.50 per year.

While private treatment is costly, NHS options are available. However, long waiting times mean many people end up seeking private care anyway. For those relying on the NHS, delays in treatment could mean worsening vision, making early detection more crucial.

The bottom line? A simple £30 eye test every two years could save you thousands of pounds in medical expenses later in life.

Why are people ignoring eye health problems?

It’s not just routine check-ups that people are putting off, many also delay seeking medical help even when they notice vision problems.

Over half (57%) of Brits admitted they had ignored issues with their eyesight at some point, often hoping the problem would go away on its own.

The biggest barriers to eye care

The most common reasons for postponing eye care, according to our survey, are:

1. Cost concerns (20%)
2. Long appointment wait times (14%)
3. Lack of time (10%)
4. Thought it would get better by itself (6%)
5. Fear of seeing a doctor (4%)

Our research also found that among 25–34-year-olds, three in four (74%) have delayed seeking care, with cost concerns being the most common reason (41%).

Even among the 35-44 age group, when serious eye conditions start to develop, three in five (60%) have previously postponed seeing an eye specialist.

In contrast, more than half (56%) of over 65s said they sought medical help immediately when they noticed a problem.

The NHS eye care waiting time crisis

For those relying on NHS eye care, the data shows that wait times are a growing issue.

At the end of December 2024, only 67% of ophthalmology patients in England were seen within 18 weeks, far below the NHS target of 92%. This means that one in five patients (23%) had to wait over 18 weeks for specialist care.

These delays leave many people with a difficult choice, wait months for NHS treatment or go private at a high cost. But by skipping routine eye tests, people risk reaching a stage where their eyesight has already deteriorated significantly, making costly private care their only option.

Early detection is key, not just for protecting vision, but also for avoiding expensive medical bills down the line.

The worst NHS wait times for eye care in the UK

Our research shows that some areas are struggling more than others. In Milton Keyes, which has the worst delays in the country, three in five patients wait over 18 weeks for eye care.

The worst-performing NHS Trusts, where over half of patients waited longer than 18 weeks for treatment, are:

1. Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust – 39.8% of patients wait within 18 weeks to see an eye specialist
2. Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust – 43.7%
3. Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust – 45.7%
4. North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust – 47.3%
5. East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust – 49.9%

As visualised by our map below, there doesn’t seem to be a central regional cluster of badly performing Trusts, as these are spread all around the country.

Table 1: Worst-performing Trusts which have the longest wait times after referral to an eye health specialist



Conversely, the best-performing Trusts, which exceed the NHS target of 92%, include:

1. Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – 95.2%
2. The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust – 95.2%
3. Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust – 92.1%

Our maps show that where exactly you live in London can be a deciding factor as to whether you can see an eye specialist on time.

Two of the overall best-performing Trusts in England are located in Hackney and the South West.

On the other hand, the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust has the 7th worst performance in the country, followed closely by St. George’s University Hospital NHS Trust in the Borough of Wandsworth.

It’s also worth noting that five of the ten top performing Trusts are clustered around the North of England.

Table 2: Best-performing Trusts which have the shortest wait times after referral to an eye health specialist

The cost of vision correction over a lifetime

Most people assume that maintaining good vision is costly, but our research suggests that perception doesn’t always match reality. We surveyed 2,000 UK adults, both those who require vision correction and those who do not, to understand how much people think they spend on eye care.

On average, respondents estimated their annual spending at £65.34, which, over a lifetime (from age 18 to 82), would amount to £4,182.

However, when we examined individual spending habits, we found a wide range of estimates:

1. 23% of people reported spending nothing on eye care in the last three years
2. 14% estimated their costs between £151 and £200 every three years
3. 11% believed they spent between £301 and £500
4. 3% claimed to have spent more than £1,000

The above-mentioned numbers clearly state that taking care of your eye health or buying eye care essentials can be expensive. However, Feel Good Contacts offers high-quality eye care products at reasonable prices.

The real cost of glasses and contact lenses

While some people believe they’re spending thousands on vision correction, our price data suggests that essential eye care may be more affordable than expected:

• A pair of prescription glasses (based on our most popular range): £8
• A box of 30 daily contact lenses for one eye (best-selling range): £10.50

Yet, despite the affordability of eye care, over a quarter of 40–60-year-olds admitted they hadn’t spent anything on vision correction in the past three years, a concerning trend given that this is the stage when vision naturally begins to decline.

Investing in eye care saves more than just your sight

Our study highlights a troubling reality. A large portion of the UK population is neglecting their eye health, often due to cost concerns, NHS wait times or simply underestimating the importance of regular check-ups.

Key takeaways:

• Many people delay eye tests to save money, unaware that skipping them can lead to far greater costs in the future.
• Younger adults struggle the most with financial barriers, with 74% admitting they put off care due to cost
• NHS wait times are preventing timely treatment, with some areas facing severe delays
• People overestimate the cost of glasses and contact lenses, assuming they spent more than they do.

Skipping an eye test might seem like an easy way to save money, but the reality is that it can lead to expensive treatments and even permanent vision loss.

The good news? It’s never too late to start prioritising your eye care. A simple £30 test could prevent costly treatments, protect your vision and even reduce your lifetime spending on eye health. If you haven’t had an eye test in the last two years, now is the time to book one. You may even be eligible for a free eye test: Check your eligibility here.

If you have previously purchased prescription glasses or contact lenses from us before, you can also contact our optical team for advice here.

Your eyesight and your wallet will thank you later.

Data sources

Primary

• Survey with 2,000 respondents, data splits: gender, age, city, occupation

Secondary

• NHS Ophthalmology services waiting times from “Latest waiting times by hospital trust as of December 2024”, accessed from:
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/rtt-data-2024-25/
• Cataracts surgery cost - https://www.lasereyesurgeryhub.co.uk/cataract-surgery/costs/
• Glaucoma surgery cost - https://practiceplusgroup.com/treatments/eye-treatments/glaucoma-treatment/
• Age-related Macular Degeneration treatment cost - https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/diagnosis-and-treatment

Methodology for calculating the true cost of skipping your eye test:

• Assuming that having an eye test every two years costs £30, over a 20-year period this would add up to 10 eye tests in total. This would equate to a total cost of £300.
• This £300 figure was then deducted from the cost of surgery/treatment for common eye conditions to calculate the estimated ‘savings’ people can make by going for regular eye tests to prevent these conditions from developing in the first place.