Optometrists are asking Australians to put eye checks first on their Christmas list after research revealed most Aussies would rather lose a leg than go blind, but only half had their vision checked in the past year.

Interestingly the data, collected by Guide Dogs NSW and ACT, also showed a serious lack of understanding from most of the population when it came to guide dogs.

Larry Marshall from far north Queensland said he could not imagine life without the support of a guide dog, but was not surprised to hear the research results.

"With Rufus I'm a lot more active so that goes a long way for physical health and mentally as well," he said.

"Without him I'd be stuck a lot [but] a lot of people forget you can't touch or pat a dog when they have a working harness on. Rufus loves attention but he needs space."

Mr Marshall said drivers trying to help often unintentionally did the wrong thing.

Research revealed that: 49 per cent of Australians are most afraid of losing their eyesight

49 per cent of Australians are most afraid of losing their eyesight 37 per cent are most fearful of losing their memories

37 per cent are most fearful of losing their memories Only 6 per cent are scared most of limbs

Only 6 per cent are scared most of limbs Australians also rated blindness in the top three potential impacts to their quality-of-life, on par with cancer and paralysis

Australians also rated blindness in the top three potential impacts to their quality-of-life, on par with cancer and paralysis More than 60 per cent prioritised annual car servicing over an eye check-up

-Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

"With guide dogs we need people not to beep at us when we are standing at a street corner, we can't see you and don't know what your intentions are so we ask people to just drive on," he added.

Australians facing serious guide dog shortage

Dale Cleaver, chief executive officer of Guide Dogs NSW and ACT, said their research also showed that a third of people assumed everyone who needed a guide dog had one.

He said that myth could not be further from the truth.

"At the moment, we are unable to help about 75 per cent of the people who desperately need a guide dog because we don't have enough funding to undertake the complex breeding, training and matching process for more puppies and dogs," Mr Cleaver said.

"It takes more than $35,000 to breed, raise and train a guide dog and we also continue to provide ongoing support for our clients throughout the life of their dog."

Guide Dogs charities across the country are desperate for funds to breed, train and raise guide dogs. ( Guide Dogs Australia )

'A guide dog changed my life'

The research also revealed 39 per cent of Australians thought the main support for a person with vision issues was family or friends, when in reality guide dogs were their biggest support.

Mr Marshall, who has five per cent vision in his left eye and is blind in his right eye, agreed.

He said his dog Rufus not only helped him navigate daily life, but was a major support for him while he battled cancer and recovered from a kidney transplant.

"Rufus came into my life almost four years ago and has helped immensely," he said.

"He's my eyes. I can move around a lot more freely without having to use a white cane.

What donations can buy: $25 will buy a dog collar

$25 will buy a dog collar $40 is enough for a folding mobility cane

$40 is enough for a folding mobility cane $50 can provide a high-visibility raincoat for a guide dog

$50 can provide a high-visibility raincoat for a guide dog $75 will provide a new guide dog user with an instructor for an hour

$75 will provide a new guide dog user with an instructor for an hour $100 can vaccinate a dog against diseases

$100 can vaccinate a dog against diseases $250 is enough to purchase a special harness

$250 is enough to purchase a special harness $1800 will supply 12 months' worth of vaccinations for a litter of nine puppies - Source: guidedogs.org.au

"Rufus is family and I don't think we can go forward without each other."

Not enough people get their eyes checked

Despite being scared of losing their sight, the research also showed only half of Australians chose to get eyes checked in the past year.

Optometrist Luke Arundel agreed, adding men were often guiltier than women when it came to not caring for their eyes.

"We are keen to stress 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented or treated with early detection. That 'she'll be right mate' [attitude], is not good enough," he said.

"How often you need your eyes checked depends on whether there's family history and health issues like diabetes but there are basic guidelines."

Age How often eyes should be checked Kids Once before school and every two years afterwards Average adult At least once every two years, earlier if issues arise Adult with diabetes Every 12 months Over 65s Every 12 months Those using contact lenses Every 12 months

Mr Arundel, from Optometry Australia, said glaucoma and even tumours were just some of the diseases which could be picked up and treated with early detection.

"Glaucoma is often called the sneaky thief of sight, it's painless and effects our peripheral vision and usually starts in one eye first so because we see with both eyes that tends to mask it," he said.

"That's why the majority of Aussies needs check-ups at least every couple of years.

"Guide Dogs do a fantastic job but our goal is stopping people getting to that stage.

"Like many charities they are really under resourced and Australia's aging population means there will be more issues like macular degeneration so our message is about starting early with a healthy diet, UV protection and regular check-ups."