HC Deb 18 May 1992 vol 208 cc60-1W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will undertake research to ascertain the long-term implications of introducing charges for eye tests; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

There is every indication that after an initial drop immediately following restrictions on entitlement to national health service sight tests, the number of tests is now back at 1987 levels. This is confirmed both by surveys carried out by the optical profession and by the increase of 6 per cent. in GP referrals to consultant ophthalmology out-patient clinics during the period 1988 to 1991.

We have no plans to undertake further research.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for sealth if she will publish the latest figures available showing (i) the established savings made to the health budget as a result of introducing a charge for eye tests and (ii) the number of eye tests undertaken for each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Dr. Mawhinney

There are no charges for national health service sight tests. It is estimated that the restrictions in entitlement to national health service sight tests to certain priority groups have resulted in savings in the region of £70 million in 1989–90, £90 million in 1990–91 and £100 million in 1991–92 with estimated projected saving of £110 million in 1992–93.

The optical profession conducts regular surveys on the total number of sight tests, both national health service and private. Their findings indicate that the number of sight tests have returned to 1987 levels, the last typical year before the restrictions were announced.

The Department collects information on national health service sights only. The number of sight tests paid for by the national health service in England in the last five years is shown in the table.

England Millions
1986–87 10.6
1987–88 11.7
1988–89 12.5
1989–90 5.3
1990–91 4.2

From April 1989, national health service sight tests were restricted to certain priority groups. The figure for 1989–90 includes 1–6 million sight tests conducted prior to April 1989 under the old regulations but not paid until 1989–90.