In 2023, a survey by the College of Optometrists confirmed that 22% of Brits postponed or cancelled a sight test in the past year due to cost of living concerns. 50% also mentioned that the cost of living will impact how they care for their eyes in the future. Evidently, it can be easy to overlook eye health when in the middle of an economic crisis. However, doing so would be a grave financial mistake.

Ignoring eye health can lead to more severe issues and higher costs in the long run. Therefore, it's essential to build a budget for your eye health. Below, we list five actionable tips to help you manage this aspect of your finances effectively.

Check for government support and benefits

The College further identified that only 50% and 48% of Brits are aware that those under 16 and over 60, respectively, are entitled to sight tests funded by the NHS. Don’t make this mistake. In March 2024, Deputy Director Alette Addison from the Department of Health & Social Care confirmed in a newsletter that children under 16, people over 60, and those receiving certain benefits can be eligible for NHS-funded sight tests. Otherwise, the NHS sight test fee has been set at £23.53. If you require vision correction, NHS optical vouchers can also provide up to £70 towards selected glasses, so you need to check your eligibility for these benefits before paying out of pocket.

Explore your options

If ineligible for NHS support, then you can shop around commercial establishments to save significant amounts on eye care. In fact, customers can save an average of 49% when shopping online than buying from high street opticians. Check out selections of glasses frames online to find the best deals. You’ll see offers from retailers like Glasses Direct that go as low as £49 for two pairs of eyeglasses and other cost-efficient services such as free home trials and 120-day returns. On some days, you may even catch time-sensitive promos to take advantage of, from 50% off frames, a free second pair, or even 50% off sun tints. This will give you a more accurate sense of pricing and realistic budgeting goals. 

Use a budgeting app

Incorporating eye health into your monthly regular budget sets the foundation for eye tests and glasses to be treated as necessary expenses. Free budgeting apps such as Goodbudget and Plum are excellent tools to streamline this process. The former uses the envelope budgeting system, where you can allocate specific amounts for different categories, including eye health. Meanwhile, the latter uses AI to analyse your spending and automatically set aside savings for you. Both apps allow you to set custom financial goals that you can commit to for the long run.

Utilise employer benefits

Did you know that many employers in the UK now offer corporate eyecare schemes as part of their health and wellbeing strategies? For example, some providers may offer a voucher for £17, covering a full eye test and up to £70 towards selected glasses, which can be part of an employer’s eye care package. Other options include health cash plans that provide optical benefits or monthly subscription plans like those offered by EyeMed. Some plans cover the full cost of eye tests and contribute towards glasses. Finding a company that offers eyecare schemes or negotiating benefits with your current management can make a significant difference in managing your eye health costs effectively.

Invest in preventive care

Last but not least, preventive care is crucial for avoiding costly treatments in the future. Ensure you have a balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc, which can help ward off age-related vision problems. Otherwise, limiting screen time can help prevent eye strain. Start with the 20-20-20 rule and continue to incorporate more healthy screen habits into your routine to invest in your long-term eye health.

With these tips, you can maintain your vision without financial stress. For more budgeting tips, check out our other content on Finance Monthly.