The health habit putting 4 in 5 women at risk

“But [the retinal detachment] was a bit of a wake-up call – I’m grateful I wasn’t silly enough to wait another week.”

The new research also found that one in 10 women consistently cancel health appointments, which has alarmed professionals that women are missing out on crucial preventative healthcare.

“A lot of eye conditions are silent and don’t come with symptoms until the later stages [but if we can] treat in the early stages, we can prevent vision loss,” says Specsavers optometrist, Michelle Phan.

“With conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes, you can make a real difference by finding out about it earlier and arming yourself with the right information.”

Similarly, GPs are also concerned that signs of chronic conditions will be missed if so many Australians skip regular check-ups.

“It is understandable that juggling family, work and the running of a household combined with the current difficulty in securing a doctor’s appointment is making patients put off these routine visits,” says Dr Andrew Thompson, a GP from InstantScripts.

Relatively simple conditions such as moderately high blood pressure or early diabetes are unlikely to cause harm in the early stages, however, if left unchecked can lead to very serious complications later on.”

COVID-19 restrictions meant many of us have put off medical check-ups in recent years, and Dr Thompson is now urging Australians to get back on top of routine tests.

“It is incredibly important that women, particularly over the age of 30, or younger if they have any medical conditions, check in with their doctor at least every 12 months,” Dr Thompson says.

“A good first step would be to book a telehealth consultation where a doctor can discuss any concerns you may have and order routine tests to check your overall health.”

Rosemary Calder, professor of health policy at the Mitchell Institute, says that many people put off healthcare appointments because of out-of-pocket costs, not to mention difficulties for primary caregivers to find time.

“Like the airline cabin crew [analogy] that if we need oxygen, put on your own mask first and then assist children and others – if we don’t look after our own health, we cannot expect to look after the health of others effectively,” she says.

Being organised and booking routine check-ups well ahead of time may help busy women find a slot in their already stacked schedule, and Phan encourages women to take advantage of the bulk-billed eye test all Australians are entitled to with their Medicare card.

“Everyone needs a regular routine eye test. It’s a bit like going to the dentist – do you wait until your teeth hurt or just have a routine check?” she says.

“Women have got to make their [health] a priority.”

A routine eye test should be scheduled every two years and sooner if symptoms appear, so Specsavers is calling on all women to prioritise their health and book in an eye test. Visit www.specsavers.com.au/stores to book your appointment or for more information.