AN OPTICIANS in Cirencester is urging people to take better care of their eyes following statistics that reveal 86 per cent of Britons admit to experiencing eye problems.

Independent opticians Haine and Smith celebrated National Eye Health Week at the end of September but are now encouraging locals to look after their eyes more, after figures were released showing 20 million people in Britain fail to have regular sight tests.

Senior partner at Haine and Smith Barry Smith believes the main reason many people put off having an eye test is concern about how much it’s going to cost.

"In fact, many of our patients receive a free eye test paid for by the NHS," he said. "Plus, don’t forget your employer will contribute to your eye care if you use a display screen as a significant part of your job."

He went on to say that the reason eye checks are so important on a regular basis is because they do not just test how well you can see, but pick up on any conditions you may be developing.

"We generally recommend most people have an eye test every two years so that common eye conditions, such as glaucoma, can be treated before they cause irreversible vision loss," Mr Smith added.

Today, almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss and a further half a million could lose their sight by the year 2020.