Sight is the sense that people fear losing the most, yet many people do not undergo regular eye tests, eye doctors have warned.

According to Peter McGrath, chairman of the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO), an eye test is ‘a vital health check'.

"Most people don't consider an eye test to be an integral part of their health routine, but it can detect health conditions for which you may be experiencing no symptoms and allows early intervention to save sight," he explained.

Currently in Ireland, over 220,000 people are living with sight loss and this is expected to reach over 271,000 by 2020, due to an ageing population.

Yet, at least 50% of sight loss is avoidable and research indicates that up to 75% of sight loss in older people could be avoided. However early detection is essential and the key to this is a regular eye test.

The FODO and the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) have joined together in a ‘Healthy Eyes' campaign, to raise awareness of this issue.

"Sight loss is on the increase in Ireland. We have first class eye care services in Ireland and we need everyone to take advantage of them. The Healthy Eyes campaign message is a simple one - everyone needs a regular eye test," explained AOI chief executive, Peter Coleman.

The FODO and AOI made their comments to coincide with World Sight Day (October 10).

For more information on eye health, see our Eye Health Clinic here