Bake Off’s Alison Hammond champions overcoming 'eye anxiety' with regular tests

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Television presenter Alison Hammond is partnering with Specsavers to encourage regular eye exams as a way to combat “eye anxiety” and promote early detection of serious conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Since fear of treatment causes many to delay care, leading to preventable vision loss, the campaign aims to educate the public on the importance and safety of routine eye health checks.

Alison Hammond, the television presenter known for her work on Bake Off and This Morning, is advocating for regular eye tests as a way to overcome “eye anxiety,” a common fear that prevents many from seeking timely eye care. Hammond, who has a family history of glaucoma, recently joined a campaign with optical retailer Specsavers to highlight the importance of routine eye health checks and early treatment.

Eye anxiety, the fear of medical procedures involving the eyes, affects a significant portion of the population and can lead to delayed or avoided care. According to a survey conducted by Specsavers, 73 percent of adults feel most anxious about treatment related to their eyes compared to other parts of the body. This apprehension has tangible consequences: nearly one-third of those diagnosed with serious eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) admitted to postponing treatment. Among these individuals, 12 percent reported complete loss of sight as a result of their delay.

Preet Bhara, optometry director at Specsavers in Canley, Coventry, emphasized the severity of these conditions, which are leading causes of vision impairment in the UK. They are typically detectable during routine eye examinations, making early diagnosis and intervention crucial. However, the survey revealed that 55 percent of those who delayed treatment did so for more than four months, and 11 percent had not sought any treatment at all. The principal reasons for hesitation include fear of complications during surgery—cited by 34 percent—and a lack of understanding about the treatment process, reported by 21 percent.

Hammond’s involvement with the campaign included shadowing experts like Bhara and visiting Newmedica, a specialized eye clinic affiliated with Specsavers. There, she witnessed modern procedures for managing conditions like AMD, cataracts, and glaucoma, and met patients who described significant improvements in their quality of life following timely treatment. One patient shared how cataract surgery allowed her to see the freckles on her granddaughter’s face for the first time in years.

Health experts agree that early detection is vital. The Royal National Institute of Blind People reports that over two million people in the UK live with sight loss, most of which results from irreversible conditions such as AMD or glaucoma. Because these diseases progress gradually, regular testing enables interventions that can preserve vision and prevent irreversible damage.

Specstasters optometrists receive ongoing training, including support from ophthalmology services like Newmedica, to stay current with diagnostic techniques and treatment options. Their expertise allows them to identify early signs of eye disease, promoting timely referral and management.

Hammond acknowledges the fear associated with eye care but stresses that it should not deter patients from seeking help. “Most people are scared of the unknown,” she said. “But they’re in safe hands. Sight isn’t just about reading or watching television—it’s the small, precious moments that make life feel properly full.”

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.