Ms Priddle says many people in Bathurst are ignoring the signs of deteriorating eyesight and putting off seeing an optometrist - to their detriment.

It follows the release of research, commissioned by Specsavers, that showed one in two people 40 years and older who were surveyed had experienced tired eyes, struggled to see something on their mobile phone, tablet, or computer screen or struggled to read.

As many as one in six of those surveyed, however, had not had their eyes tested in more than three years.

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Ms Priddle, who is with Specsavers Bathurst, said presbyopia, or difficulty focusing up close, is a natural part of the ageing process.

"From around the age of 40, the natural lens within the eye which allows us to see clearly up close and far away naturally starts to lose its elasticity, affecting our ability to focus at near," she said.

"Many of my patients who never needed glasses when they were younger find that they need reading glasses as they get older."

She said it takes people time to accept that the changes they are experiencing are normal.

"Presbyopia is something that affects almost everyone. Depending on your needs and lifestyle, it may be that all you need is a pair of prescription reading glasses, multifocal or contact lenses to make reading easier," she said.

"Your optometrist will be able to make a recommendation on the best option for you and your lifestyle."