Written Question · S4W-19937 · Session 4
How it is encouraging the uptake of free eye tests.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government how it is encouraging the uptake of free eye tests.
The answer
We have maintained our commitment to the free NHS eye examination introduced on 1 April 2006 delivering universally free comprehensive community based eye care services for everyone in Scotland.
There has been a continued increase in the number of NHS funded eye examinations carried out since its introduction. The number of free eye examinations has increased from 1.573 million in 2007 to 1.927 million in 2013, an increase of 22.5%. GPs are now referring 33% more patients annually for NHS funded eye examinations than in 2007.
We continue to invest in the free NHS eye examination through our partner organisations. Each year £1 million of funding is provided to NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to support the knowledge and skills of community optometrists in providing care to their NHS patients. We have also previously made funding available to optometry practices to purchase state of the art testing and screening equipment to facilitate the new examinations. This is ensuring that optometrists can provide an improved level of care.
A patient information leaflet Your guide to free NHS eye examinations in Scotland is available for display in optometrists, GP practices, and pharmacies.
Source: Information Services Division
There has been a continued increase in the number of NHS funded eye examinations carried out since its introduction. The number of free eye examinations has increased from 1.573 million in 2007 to 1.927 million in 2013, an increase of 22.5%. GPs are now referring 33% more patients annually for NHS funded eye examinations than in 2007.
We continue to invest in the free NHS eye examination through our partner organisations. Each year £1 million of funding is provided to NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to support the knowledge and skills of community optometrists in providing care to their NHS patients. We have also previously made funding available to optometry practices to purchase state of the art testing and screening equipment to facilitate the new examinations. This is ensuring that optometrists can provide an improved level of care.
A patient information leaflet Your guide to free NHS eye examinations in Scotland is available for display in optometrists, GP practices, and pharmacies.
Source: Information Services Division
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-19937 by reference.