Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Tips for Eye Care on a Budget
Moneymagpie Team
12th Aug 2024
Did you know that a considerable amount of people in the UK struggle with compromised eyesight due to high eyecare costs? In fact, 7 in 10 optometrists reported seeing patients who needed vision correction but could not afford ocular treatment, according to an Association of Optometrists (AOP) poll. A separate AOP study also found that 36% of people wear outdated prescription glasses, while 62% of glasses and contact lens wearers avoid visiting an eye doctor to save money.
Caring for your vision can help you reap numerous benefits, such as preventing ocular diseases that compromise quality of life. However, the high cost of living can make it hard for some people to access eye care. Fortunately, there are affordable options and easy eye-healthy habits that you can check out to preserve vision health. That said, here are some tips for eye care on a budget:
- Explore options for contact lenses
- Wear a sun hat and eye protection
- Sign up free eye exams
- Eat eye-healthy meals
Explore options for contact lenses
Wearing contacts is essential for vision correction, but disposable contact lenses can take a toll on your budget. Luckily, a wide range of quality contact lenses are available online, such as the SofLens Daily Disposable and Proclear 1 Day, both under £15. For a relatively lower price, these contacts provide sharp vision and enough moisture to the eyes for a comfortable feel while in use, ensuring safety and quality without compelling you to spend too much. Being smart with your choices by finding more affordable contact lenses lets you prioritise vision correction without hurting your pocket.
Wear a sun hat and eye protection
Heading out on a sunny day can expose your eyes to the sun’s harmful UV rays, leading to serious (not to mention expensive) eye problems in the long run, such as cataracts. To avoid this, practise eye-healthy habits like wearing sunglasses like the Oakley Holbrook and affordable sun hats like the Nordstrom Packable Braided Paper Straw Panama Hat. Both specs and straw hats block UV rays from penetrating and damaging the eyes and offer extra coverage for the delicate skin around them. Protecting your eyes now can help you avoid expensive eye care costs in the future.
Sign up free eye exams
Getting your eyes checked regularly is crucial in detecting possible ocular problems and preserving healthy vision. If you feel hesitant about getting an eye test due to the cost, typically between £20 and £30 as reported by the UK Health Centre, you can try getting free eye exams from the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS provides free sight tests for eligible people under 16 years old, over 60 years old, and diagnosed with glaucoma or diabetes. You can also consult with your optician regarding your eligibility to reduce the expenses of having your eyes checked.
Eat eye-healthy meals
Eating nutritious foods that are good for your eyes is an efficient way to preserve vision health. Make it a habit to include eye-healthy ingredients like mangoes and watermelons in your meals, as these fruits are packed with vitamin A, which can prevent eye problems and help adjust vision in the dark. Other foods like carrots and eggs are rich in lutein, which helps protect your eyes’ retina from oxidative damage, so be sure to eat those regularly as well. Preparing healthy home-cooked meals is also more affordable than eating out, and you can think of it as an investment that can help you avoid dealing with expensive eye treatment costs in the future. Another option is to sign up for apps where you can get free food, such as Too Good to Go and Olio, which also helps local shops, restaurants, cafes, and neighbours avoid wasting surplus food—just make sure to select eye-healthy options from the available choices.
The expensive eye care can make it difficult for some people to maintain their vision. With these budget-friendly tips, you can preserve your ocular health without worrying about breaking the bank.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence
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