§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of providing pensioners with a free annual(a) eye test, (b) dental check and (c) hearing test. [186455]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonWe restored entitlement to free sight tests for people aged 60 and over in 1999 and hearing tests have always been available free of charge for patients referred to a national health service audiology department. People on low incomes may be exempt from dental charges or may only have to pay a reduced charge. We estimate that patient income of some £23 million per year would be lost if dental examinations were made free to all people aged 60 and over.