HC Deb 02 June 1998 vol 313 cc163-5
9. Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome)

How many cases of glaucoma were recorded as having been treated through the NHS in 1997. [42183]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Mr. Paul Boateng)

The information is not available in the form requested. In 1995–96, however— the latest year for which information is available—there were 25,274 finished consultant episodes involving the in-patient treatment of patients with glaucoma.

We are unable to say if any of those episodes were for separate patients or whether some patients accounted for more than one completed episode.

Mr. Heath

I am grateful for that limited information. Does the Minister agree that it is far better if glaucoma is diagnosed early, and preferably pre-operatively? Taking into account, in addition to cases of glaucoma, cases of the other retinopathies—diabetes and vascular disease—is there not an overwhelming case, which makes economic sense as well as good health sense, for reintroducing the free eye test?

Mr. Boateng

I hear what the hon. Gentleman says; he brings a special knowledge to this subject from his previous occupation. Of course early diagnosis is important, and we are ensuring that existing free NHS eye tests are taken up by those with glaucoma, their parents, their siblings and children aged over 40, because all the evidence shows that there is insufficient take-up among that group. As for extending free eye tests, that is a matter for the comprehensive spending review, but we must ensure that the existing free eye tests are taken up—at the moment, they are not.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich)

I am sure that my hon. Friend agrees that treatment of eye diseases, especially cataracts, is extremely good value for the national health service, and can transform the quality of people's lives. I hope that he will make that an immediate priority. While we are on the subject, may we do away with the absurd business of talking about "completed episodes" and start talking about the number of people who are treated, so that people can find out what is going on?

Mr. Boateng

My hon. Friend is a bit hard—I have just learnt to talk about completed episodes, but I shall do my best. I recognise the good sense that my hon. Friend always displays in this regard, but we must act on the recent advice of the British College of Optometrists, which has argued that visual field assessment in the examination of patients at risk from primary open-angle glaucoma is of enormous importance; the energies of the Department are, and will be, thus directed.

Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby)

Is the Minister aware, however, that for glaucoma, as for other illnesses, people in my constituency and throughout Leicestershire will have to wait on waiting lists that are 15 per cent. longer now than they were a year ago? That is a record. Will the Minister give those people some reassurance by telling them that waiting lists will be shortened more quickly than he says? In a year's time, waiting lists in Leicestershire will have shortened to what they were a year ago—no shorter.

Mr. Boateng

The hon. Gentleman ought to know that the public, with good cause, trust our Government with the NHS; they could never trust the Conservatives with it. The Conservatives sold the NHS down the river; we are saving it.