THE record numbers of older people in employment in Yorkshire are being urged to make their eye health a priority.

Official figures show there are 82,000 British people over the age of 65 working in Yorkshire, with a further 23,000 expected to be in employment by 2030.

However, one in four are not getting their eyes tested regularly, making them susceptible to glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Specsavers Opticians is teaming up with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to urge older workers to take eye health seriously.

Raj Gill, store director at Keighley Specsavers, said: "It's so important Keighley residents look after their eyes and have regular tests.

"Our eyes are so important for our jobs. Early detection means we can manage and do something about these conditions."

In Yorkshire, more than £560,000 has been invested in hospital-grade eye testing scanners and in personnel trained to tackle vision problems.

Celebrity chef and Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers is backing the campaign for National Eye Health Week which runs from September 24 to 30. He discovered he had a serious eye condition that could have had a huge impact on his career.

"If people want to avoid unnecessary sight loss as they get older, and continue working and going about their everyday life they need to make that important appointment with their optometrist once every two years," he said.

To encourage people to prioritise their eye health, Specsavers is offering free eye tests in participating stores throughout September.