§ Mr. Ivan HendersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many old age pensioners in the Harwich constituency have benefited from the introduction of free eye tests. [45118]
§ Ms BlearsFigures for the number of sight tests by constituency are not collected centrally.
The table shows the number of national health service (NHS) sight tests in North Essex Health Authority for the years 1998–99 to 2000–01. Eligibility to NHS sight tests was extended to those aged 60 and over from 1 April 1999. Some of those benefiting from this extension may also have qualified for free sight tests on other grounds. General Ophthalmic Services: Number of sight tests paid for in North Essex HA for the years 1998–99 to 2000/01.
477W
General ophthalmic services: number of sight tests paid for in north Essex HA for the years 1998–99 to 2000–01 Total number of sight tests Sight tests for and over age group 1998–99 128,200 1n/a 1999–2000 176,200 73,000 2000–01 181,800 90,606 1Not applicable