Getting your eyes tested is vital and must be done

Yes, much like dental appointments, it’s the kind of thing that can easily slide.

But if ever there was a story to change that, it’s the one we bring you today.

David Taylor went along for a regular eye test but walked out with the knowledge that he has a condition that had already robbed him of much of his sight.

It’s a shocking story that only goes to reinforce the importance of regular eye tests.

As we report today, David is not alone, although not everyone finds themselves in a predicament as serious as his.

Vision Express has been in Portsmouth this week with its Vision Van.

It has been offering free eye tests to people.

And the results have been surprising.

Along with two people found to have glaucoma, opticians discovered that nine out of 10 people they saw who already wore spectacles had the wrong prescription.

There are a number of reasons why this is important.

First and most obvious is the individual and the effect it has on their sight if their glasses are the wrong prescription.

But perhaps more worrying is that many of these people will be drivers.

Each day any of these people get behind the wheel is a day they put themselves and others in danger.

So it’s hard to overstate the importance of the situation.

In short, we can only echo the message given by optometrist Deepali Modha.

‘Whatever condition may be detected, the earlier it is identified, the sooner it can be managed and the better potential outcome.’