HC Deb 24 June 2004 vol 422 cc1548-9W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many senior citizens from the Tamworth constituency have taken up free eye tests. [179957]

Dr. Ladyman

Data for the number of sight tests by constituency or by the number of senior citizens is not collected centrally.

The total population for those aged 60 and over in Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority is about 320,450. All people aged 60 and over are eligible for national health service sight tests.

The total number of NHS sight tests paid for by Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority in the year 2002–03 for the aged 60 and over category was 138,040. Sight tests cannot be equated to the number of patients.

Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pensioners in Warrington North have benefited from free eye tests since their introduction. [180084]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Data for the number of sight tests by constituency or by the number of senior citizens is not collected centrally.

In 2002-03, the total number of national health service sight tests pa id for patients aged 60 and over in Cheshire and Merse 'side strategic health authority was 201,180. The total number eligible for a free sight test for those aged 60 and over was 507,080. Sight tests cannot be equated to the numbers of patients.