§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what analysis she has carried out comparing the costs of reintroducing NHS eye tests for the elderly with the extra medical and social costs of treating advanced eye disease in the same groups of people. [17988]
1038W
§ Mr. MaloneNone. Estimates of the total numbers of sight tests performed in Great Britain since universal eligibility for free national health service sight tests was removed in April 1989 are as follows:
Millions 1989–90 1 310.8 1990–91 1 312.41 1991–92 2 312.8 1992–93 2 314.3 1993–94 3 413.2 1994–95 3 4 512.7 1 Figures estimated using Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians data. 2 Figures estimated by FODO. 3 These estimates may not be comparable because of different sampling methodologies used. 4 Figures estimated by the joint—Department of Health and profession—Technical Sub-Committee. 5 There is no statistically significant change in the estimated volume since 1993–94, which indicates that the volume has remained much the same.
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken for the early prevention, detection and treatment of eye problems in the population aged over 65 years. [17987]
§ Mr. MaloneA sight test must by law include a comprehensive eye examination to check for any disease, injury or abnormality which may be present. People aged over 65 are not, as a group, automatically eligible for free national health service sight tests, but provision has been made for people especially at risk from eye disease and those in receipt of income support, family credit and disability working allowance to continue to be entitled to them.