A recent survey for Johnson & Johnson Vision uncovered a significant gap in how middle-aged Australians understand and manage presbyopia. It found the condition is often overlooked or under-treated, presenting a clear opportunity for optometrists to lead the conversation and improve patient outcomes, JJ Vision said.
Only 68% of Australians aged 40–55 said they were familiar with the condition – far below the Asia-Pacific average of 90%. While 78% indicated they feel the impact of age-related vision changes, nearly half (47%) hadn’t yet taken steps to correct it. Many believed their symptoms were too minor to warrant action, with cost highlighted by a third of respondents as a significant deterrent to seeking treatment.
Nine in 10 Australians in this age group said they were struggling with at least one symptom and 65% indicated those changes interfere with their daily routines. Whether it’s reading, working, or enjoying leisure activities, 36% of respondents indicated their vision problems affect both their professional and personal lives. Despite this, only 53% were actively managing the condition.
