Access to free eye examinations: The need to understand the low take-up of free eye examinations by older people in the United Kingdom

Abstract There is a high prevalence of untreated but treatable visual impairment among older people in the UK and this is most likely linked to a low take-up of free eye examinations. A qualitative study has been carried out to explore the reasons that there is this low take-up. This paper focuses on the evidence for the need for such a study. The discussion of the rationale for the study covers evidence on the prevalence of untreated treatable visual impairment, the statutory obligations of optometrists and entitlement to free eye examinations, evidence for the low take-up of free eye examinations and evidence to explain the take-up of examinations.