§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he will be making to the call by the Royal National Institute for the Blind for the restoration of free eye tests to people over 60 years old and a public awareness campaign on the importance of regular testing for others; and if he will make a statement. [1401]
§ Mr. MaloneWe have already informed the Royal National Institute for the Blind that we would be happy to co-operate with it in a campaign to promote the benefits of regular sight tests. We are not planning to extend the criteria for free national health service sight tests. Existing provisions for people on low incomes or at risk of eye diseases to receive free sight tests, where necessary through an optometrist making a home visit, are responsive to the needs of older people.