NHS eye test numbers double

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.

NHS Entitlement

Glasses – Vouchers are available toward the cost of glasses for the following;

Age 16–18 (if in full time education)

Income based Jobseekers allowance.

You or your partner receive:
Income Support
NHS Tax Credit exemption certificate

Pension Credit-Guarantee

HC2 or HC3 certificate
You are a War / MOD Pensioner

Charge Applicable (refund may be applicable from War Pensions Agency if the glasses are required for the pensionable disability)
You require complex lenses or powerful glasses with at least one lens which:
has a power in any one meridian of + or – 10 or more dioptres.

is a prism-controlled bifocal lens.

Find out more about your NHS entitlement for eye tests at www.nhs.org.uk

Or your local optician where you can book a free eye test

Why are regular eye tests important?

Most sight loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented. But it is vital that it is diagnosed early. You may not realise that there is anything wrong with your eyesight, and so regular eye checks are extremely important.

An eye examination will include the required tests to not only determine your sight levels but to check for eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macula degeneration and retinal detachments.

For more information visit a registered optician

Eye tests

Your sight is invaluable but can sometimes be taken for granted. Your eyes will capture countless images in your lifetime and it’s extremely important you keep them in great shape and working for you as effectively as possible. Your eyes also offer a glimpse into aspects of your overall health and some diseases and infections can be picked up by a simple eye-test.

First aid for eyes

When eye injuries occur, knowing how to deal with them can mean the difference between minor eye damage and permanent injury, or even blindness. Here are some first aid suggestions for eye injuries. However, please remember, these suggestions are only first aid. It is important for you to contact your Optometrist as soon as possible for any eye injuries.

If you have a foreign object in your eye, don’t rub it.

Lift your upper eyelid outward and gently pull it down over the lower lash. This causes tears to flow and will often wash the object out of your eye. You may have to repeat this several times. If the object does not wash out, contact your Optometrist. Do not try to remove a particle that is embedded. You can cause more damage. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove the lens and clean it thoroughly before putting it back in your eye. If discomfort persists, remove, clean again and reapply. If discomfort continues, remove the lens and call your Optometrist.

For chemicals splashed in your eyes immediately flush your eyes with cool water for at least 15 minutes. If possible, hold your head under a slowly running faucet, or pour water slowly from a glass or clear container. Seek professional attention immediately. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately. Then flush your eyes and seek professional help as described.

A blow to your face resulting in a black eye can be treated with cold compresses for about 15 minutes every hour. Your eye should be checked by your optometrist for internal damage. If the blow breaks your contact lenses, try to remove pieces of the lens immediately. Rinsing with water will help. Then call your Optometrist.

Do not try to treat a cut, laceration or penetrating eye injury.

Do not flush the eye with water or put any medicine in the eye. If you are wearing a contact lens, don’t try to remove it. Gently cover the eye with a bandage or gauze pad and go directly to your doctor or a nearby hospital.

Remember, the best way to treat eye injuries is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Don’t forget to be aware of potential eye hazards and wear appropriate eye protection.

Published from Graeme Gentles Glasgow Opticians