Alison Hammond witnessed the emotional impact of eye anxiety during a new Specsavers campaign, where research shows that nearly three in four adults (73%) feel anxious about eye treatment—more than any other body part. The This Morning presenter, 51, who has a family history of glaucoma, said she understands the stress that leads people to delay or avoid care entirely.
Personal Stories Highlight the Consequences of Delay
Hammond joined Specsavers Canley Optometry Director Preet Bhara in a three-part mini-series, The Recruit, demonstrating how routine eye tests can detect sight-threatening conditions. She also visited Newmedica Birmingham, a state-of-the-art eye clinic, to see modern treatments and hear from patients whose lives were changed by sight-saving procedures.
“Meeting people who were genuinely anxious about their eye surgery or treatment really stayed with me. I completely understand it, especially as someone with a family history of glaucoma. Your eyes are so precious, so fear can take over when they’re involved,” Alison said. “After spending time with the teams at Specsavers and Newmedica and then seeing those same patients after their procedures, the difference was incredible. Seeing their relief, and how much their confidence came back, that was genuinely emotional. It showed me just how life-changing the right care can be.”
Research Reveals Widespread Anxiety and Delayed Treatment
The Specsavers-commissioned study of 2,000 adults found that one in three (33%) have been diagnosed with a serious eye condition such as glaucoma, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Of those diagnosed, nearly one in three (31%) have delayed or postponed treatment. Among those who delayed, over half (55%) waited four months or longer, while around one in 10 (11%) have still not sought treatment. Delaying care can have devastating consequences: around one in 10 (12%) of those who postponed treatment lost their eyesight completely.
Among the people Hammond met was AMD patient Charles, 78, from Solihull. “I’ll admit, when I was first told I needed injections in my eye to treat my AMD, I was petrified. But the team at Newmedica put me at ease completely. After my first two injections, the blur affecting the vision in my left eye has already noticeably decreased,” he said. “This improvement in my vision has made such a positive impact, allowing me to continue living a full and independent life. I’m incredibly grateful I was seen so quickly.”
Experts Urge Routine Eye Tests to Prevent Sight Loss
Ash Sharma, consultant ophthalmologist at Newmedica Birmingham, said: “By the time patients reach us for treatment, many are understandably anxious about the procedure and the results. However, modern eye procedures are highly advanced, quick, and deliver excellent outcomes for the majority of people. Part of our role is helping patients feel informed and reassured, so they feel confident seeking treatment sooner. Improving vision can have a profound impact on overall quality of life.”
Across the UK, of the two million people living with sight loss, more than half are either blind or partially sighted as a result of an irreversible, long-term eye health condition, such as AMD and glaucoma, making early treatment vital. Preet Bhara, Optometry Director at Specsavers Canley, said: “Cataracts, glaucoma and AMD are among the leading causes of vision loss in the UK, collectively affecting millions of people. While these conditions can often be picked up during a routine eye test, research shows that a whopping 19 million people are failing to keep up with them. At Specsavers, our expert optometrists are trained to deliver comprehensive eye checks that can help to detect early signs of serious eye conditions. We recommend getting your eyes checked every two years, as catching these conditions early can often be the difference between preserving someone's eyesight and losing it.”
