Not enough people have prioritised care for their eyes in the same way that they do with blood pressure, cholesterol or dental checks, according to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Bill Alker, a spokesperson for the RNIB, stated in recent days that around 100 people lose their sight every day and 50 per cent of all sight loss in the UK is avoidable.

He adds that consumers will "never regret an eye test" as they can have the ability to identify serious sight issues in their early stages and prevent blindness.

Other conditions, such as brain and blood cancers, can also be identified during eye examinations.

"RNIB recommends that people should have an eye test at least every two years and each year for people who might be vulnerable to sight loss," Mr Alker concludes.

The institute predicts that as life expectancy increases, the figure of 100 people losing their eyesight every day could double over the next 25 years.