A third of people in Wales fail to get regular eye tests

A survey published on Wednesday by opticians' organisation AMD Alliance International says that 30 per cent of people in Wales - almost a million people - are risking a variety of eye conditions by failing to have their eyes tested.

Opticians advise that people should have an eye test at least every two years, but one third of people in Wales have not had a test in that time.

Tests normally last up to half an hour and can cost between �15 - �25 for the under 60s.

As far as the elderly are concerned, there really is no excuse because everyone over 60 is entitled to free eye examinations Optician Dick Roberts

Specialists have warned that treatable eye problems may become more serious if they are not detected early enough.

Cardiff optician Dick Roberts, who also advises the Welsh assembly, told BBC Radio Wales: "There is a need to put publicity and promotion in place, particularly towards the examination of children.

"As far as the elderly are concerned, there really is no excuse because everyone over 60 is entitled to free eye examinations.

"And in Wales, we are going even further and producing a specialist eye exam for those who are disadvantaged."

He said those who did not visit the optician regularly risked contracting easily-detected conditions such as diabetes, retinopathy and glaucoma.

"Regular examination will pick up and detect eye diseases which may have no symptoms, for example glaucoma," he said.

"In its early stages, it doesn't produce any symptoms.