Blindness and other vision problems affect over 220,000 Irish people and cost the country in excess of €2 billion every year, yet 50% of visual impairment can be corrected if diagnosed and treated properly, eye experts have said.

This week is Healthy Eyes Awareness Week and according to the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) and the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) Ireland, regular eye examinations for all adults are essential.

They are appealing to anyone who has not had their eyes examined recently to visit their local optometrist for an eye test.

"There is an increasing prevalence of sight-related problems due to an ageing population and what is most important is early diagnosis. An optometrist is ideally placed to provide the care which people need, be it reassurance, fitting glasses or contact lenses, treatment of routine conditions, or monitoring of a condition. An optometrist is highly trained in eye health and is accessible locally in the community," commented AOI chief executive, Sean McCrave.

In 2010, an estimated 224,832 people in Ireland were suffering with some form of visual impairment and this is expected to rise to 271,996 by 2020 - a jump of 21%. Meanwhile, in 2010, the cost of vision problems to the economy was estimated to be €2.1 billion and this is expected to increase to €2.7 billion by 2020.

"At this time of year, many of us resolve to improve our lifestyles to become fitter, healthier and check regularly for risky lumps, bumps and moles, yet far too many of us forget about our eyes and the world they open up for us on a daily basis.

"Much eye disease and sight loss in middle and older age is avoidable, but eye diseases do not usually show up until it is too late. This is why we want people, who do not yet regularly do so, to visit their local optician and get themselves tested. It really is worth it," said FODO Ireland chief executive, David Hewlett.

Optometrists recommend an eye test at least every two years, however a recent survey by opticians, Vision Express, revealed that while 80% of people feel that sight is the most important sense, one-third had not had an eye test for at least four years. Some 6% admitted to never having had their eyes tested.

The survey involved 1,500 people nationwide.

As part of Healthy Eyes Awareness Week, Vision Express is offering free 30-minute eye examinations on board its Vision Van, a mobile eye testing unit which will be travelling from Dublin to Cork and then Belfast this week. Appointments are available between 10am and 4.30pm during the week. For more information or to book an appointment, click here