Optometrist Adam McDougall says a quarter of Mackay women may need an eye test
A Mackay optometrist says “women need to start putting themselves first” after research showed a staggering number could be at risk of serious health conditions.
Mackay
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We try to go to the doctor or the dentist every year, but now fresh research is saying an annual eye check is just as necessary.
Specsavers Canelands optometrist Adam McDougall said one in five Mackay women were missing out on early intervention for eye conditions that can appear without symptoms.
This follows new Specsavers Australia research showing 20 per cent of adult women can’t recall their last eye check or have never checked their eyes at all.
“Women need to start putting themselves first and prioritising their health, and this includes getting their eyes tested regularly”, Mr McDougall said
“It’s more than just a vision test, it’s an eye health check.
“The main reasons women cancel or postpone medical appointments include prioritising work (32%) or simply running out of time (26%).
“Or particularly for mothers, prioritising the needs of their children over their own (49%).
“Simply waiting for the problem to go away can be detrimental to your eyes and overall health.”
Mr McDougall said in the statement it was worrying patients could wait for issues to resolve themselves, leaving them vulnerable to conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts.
According to the statement, Specsavers data showed a quarter of women sent reminders by their optometrists still took longer than two months to get an eye check.
Mr McDougall said concerns about needing health insurance to have an eye test was a “possible problematic misconception”.
“We’re lucky here in Australia that eye tests are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card”, he said.
“It’s important to remember that early detection is key.
“I would suggest getting kids used to the optometrist from an early age and maintaining regular routine visits, just like the dentist.
“It can be difficult to make time for prioritising your own eye health.
“But without our sight, we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do for the people who need us.”
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