Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S5W-22021 · Session 5

What information it has on the latest available combined costs for prescription charges and eye tests in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) …

Answered Asked by Emma Harper SNP Lodged 11 Mar 2019

The question

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the latest available combined costs for prescription charges and eye tests in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales.

The answer

Answered by Jeane Freeman on 25 Mar 2019 · 14 days after it was lodged, on time

Prescription charges were abolished in Scotland on 1 April 2011. Prescriptions issued on Scottish prescription forms (GP10) are dispensed to the patient free of charge by Scottish community pharmacies. The current prescription charge in England of £8.80 per item is due to increase to £9 per item from 1 April 2019. Prescription charges were abolished in Wales on 1 April 2007.
Eye examinations in Scotland have been provided free of charge since 1 April 2006 to all UK residents and those exempt from charges under the National Health Service (Charges for Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Regulations 1989. Free NHS funded eye examinations in England and Wales are only provided to certain groups of patients. Patients in England and Wales who wish to have their eyes examined and who are not eligible for a free NHS funded eye examination typically have to pay a private sight test fee, which varies by provider.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-22021 by reference.