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Three quarters of British public admit to better quality of life thanks to wearing glasses

12 October 2022
News Brand
  • Ahead of World Sight Day (13 October) Boots Opticians is calling upon the public to prioritise their eye health and to open their eyes to the infinite possibilities of life with better sight
  • The High Street Optician found that almost a third of people surveyed in the UK (32%) said they have been able to try a new activity since improving their eyesight
  • Boots is working with this year’s winner of Love Island Davide Sanclimenti to show how confidence levels can increase when wearing the right frames
  • More than half of 18–34-year-olds (52%,) are inspired to wear glasses after seeing celebrities like Davide wearing them

Ahead of World Sight Day, Boots Opticians has revealed new research showing that nearly three-quarters of the UK[1] (74%) feel their quality of life has improved since they started wearing glasses or contact lenses, with almost four in 10 (37%) saying they can now ‘see the world’ around them. The high street optician is calling upon the British public to check their eye health and wants customers to see what’s possible with better vision. It was also revealed that many people often endured setbacks such as lacking confidence (34%) or felt left out of things (18%) before their eye-sight was corrected by wearing glasses.   

The survey of 2,000 UK residents, commissioned by Boots Opticians as part of its new ‘See What’s Possible’ brand campaign, revealed that people found a new lease of life since improving their eyesight, with nearly a third (32%) saying they have been able to try a new activity such as reading more. ‘Reading new books’ (41%) was the top activity people took up since wearing glasses. Other activities people said they indulge in since improving their eyesight include travelling to new destinations (31%) and learning/studying something new (34%).

Boots Opticians is working with this summer’s Love Island winner, Davide Sanclimenti, who stylishly donned specs throughout the season whilst going on dates during his blossoming summer romance. Boots is working with Davide to inspire the UK and help show people what is possible when they can see clearly, and how confidence levels can increase when wearing the right frames.

Davide said: “People don’t always realise how much sight and confidence are linked. Which is why my glasses are such a big part of my life, and my Love Island experience. After accidentally getting into the wrong bed and leaving my glasses in the villa, I wanted to see what’s possible when I upgraded my glasses so I went into Boots Opticians and they were so nice. There were so many types of glasses to choose from.”

Two in 10 admitted to going on dates since their eyesight improved, and one in 10 said they wear glasses because they think they ‘look better’. In fact, Davide Sanclimenti, inspired over a quarter (26%) of 18-34 year olds to feel more confident in wearing theirs.

Whilst over three-quarters of glasses-wearers (76%) have already had their eyesight tested within the last two years, Boots is calling upon the rest of the British public to check their eye health and understand the importance of eye health. Reasons that people booked an appointment with an optician include not being able to read something at a meeting (17%) and waving at someone they didn’t know by mistake (11%).

James Arrow, Managing Director at Boots Opticians said: Three-quarters of people admit that sight is their most importance sense, so we’re calling upon the British public to get their eyes tested so that they can see and do anything possible with improved vision. At Boots, we have a wide range of stylish frames, including designer brands and sustainable ranges, plus an outstanding contact lens plan with unmatched rewards so you can enjoy happy, healthy eyes for as long as possible in an affordable way.”

Find out more about Boots Opticians and book an eye test here: bootsopticians.com

The See What’s Possible 30-second television advert can be viewed on YouTube here.

 

[1] Survey conducted by One Poll and commissioned by Boots UK across the UK. 2,000 UK Adults who wear glasses and/or contact lens wearers

 

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*Figures accurate as of 30 November 2023