The age limits for Eurocontrol are not set in stone.
Younger people do have a higher success rate, however, should the number of applicants start to drop off then the age range would be widened again.
Don't forget, the retirement age is 55. Starting at 36, taking , say, 3 years from start to finish of training, only leaves 16 years of working life. Not a very good return on a considerable investment.
Re the eye test. The initial medical is pretty comprehensive. IIRC I was told that the pressure test, and a number of other things only occur annually above a certain age. It's not painful and the effects of the eye drops wear off within a short period of time