AN optometrist has warned of a vision crisis in Renfrewshire as she described Covid as a “ticking timebomb” that will have a major impact on eye health.

Jane Gottschlich, store director at the Specsavers branch at Braehead, in Renfrew, said the number of missed eye appointments during the pandemic will have serious consequences for local residents.

A new report commissioned by Specsavers in collaboration with leading eye health experts and charities counts not only the additional financial burden now facing society as a result of the pandemic but also the very real cost to people’s sight.

It shows that, across the UK, almost 3,000 people are estimated to have lost their sight due to delayed identification and treatment of eye disease since Covid struck.

Ms Gottschlich told The Gazette: “As comprehensive as this report is, we, along with our colleagues and partners across the eye health sector, suspect these early findings are just the tip of the iceberg.

“The pandemic meant that eyecare services in the UK were withdrawn, reduced or restricted and, despite Specsavers being open for care throughout the pandemic, our stores – alongside other high street opticians – saw a drop of almost 25 per cent in eye tests across the sector.

“This has led to a reduction in referrals and the treatment of serious and sometimes symptomless eye conditions that can lead to irreversible and permanent sight loss if not detected and managed in time.
“The eye health sector, and the NHS, has a ticking timebomb on its hands.”

Latest figures show there are around 6,000 people in Renfrewshire who are living with sight loss.

Despite this, many people are not making their eye health a priority.
Ms Gottschlich added: “Regular eye tests are so important. If people in Renfrewshire have missed their appointment during the pandemic, I urge them to book. We are still adhering to strict safety precautions in every one of our stores.

“It’s important people keep having regular appointments, even if they don’t think anything is wrong, as many conditions are symptomless in the early stages.”

For advice on eye health or to book an appointment at the Braehead store, call 0141 886 2886.