Call for support as eye care becomes too dear for many

One in four of people who need eye care cannot afford it, say researchers calling for support. (David Beniuk/AAP PHOTOS)

People who need eye care are forgoing treatment because of its cost, say researchers calling for greater support for those without private health insurance.

About 23 per cent of patients were avoiding general health care and optometry services because of cost barriers, according to a survey of visitors to the free-of-charge Centre for Eye Health in Sydney's east.