New figures were released today which show that more
than twice the number of sight tests are now being carried
out on the NHS in Scotland, compared to a decade ago.
Health Minister, Susan Deacon, today welcomed the
findings which show for the year ending March 2001, the
number of NHS tests rose to 861,001 – up from 850,400 in
1999-2000 and an increase of 106 per cent since 1990.
Speaking on the Royal National Institute of the Blind’s
‘Eye Test Action Day’, Ms Deacon said:
“More than twice the number of sight tests are now being
carried out on the NHS compared with a decade ago. The
Government’s decision to extend free sight tests to adults
aged 60 and over, and those at risk of developing glaucoma,
has been a major factor in that success.
“However, despite this increase, we are not complacent.
Too many people who are having problems with their vision
and are entitled to free NHS sight tests are still not
coming forward to receive them. That is why initiatives
like RNIB Scotland’s campaign to raise awareness of the
importance of sight tests are so important and so
welcome.
“Sight tests pick up problems at an early stage, often
preventing further loss of sight or damage in later years.
And they are also a vital ‘early warning system’ for other
health problems such as diabetes, brain tumours and
neurological disorders.
“Therefore my message today is clear – if you are having
problems with your sight and are entitled to a free NHS
sight test, make sure you get one. Even if you are not
eligible, the costs of a private test are small in
comparison to losing or damaging your eye-sight, and if you
are on a low income you may be entitled to some help
towards the cost of a sight test.”
Mike Cairns, Director of RNIB Scotland, said:
“It is great news that more than twice the number of
sight tests are now being carried out in Scotland. The
message from RNIB Scotland is clear and applies to
everyone: don’t delay in making an appointment for an eye
test! A half-hour could save your sight. It could also
identify general health problems such as high blood
pressure, diabetes and even life-threatening eye or brain
tumours.”
The increase is based on the latest statistics for
General Ophthalmic Services (GOS), published by the
Information and Statistics Division (ISD) of
NHSScotland.
NHS sight tests are available free to people under 16 or
under 19 in full time education and to people aged 60 and
over. People who are on certain benefits, tax credits and
low incomes are also eligible. People prescribed complex
glasses, glaucoma sufferers and their close blood relatives
over 40, those who have been advised by an ophthalmologist
that they are at risk of developing glaucoma, people with
diabetes and people who are registered blind or partially
sighted also qualify. Vouchers are available to certain
categories of people to help with the cost of glasses.
RNIB Scotland has organised a poster campaign to
accompany Eye Test Action Day. The posters will appear in
18 railway stations across Scotland until November 4. They
look like an eye-test chart with a single large letter at
the top, with the print-size getting smaller as you look
down each line.
