Free Eye Examinations for All

Archive Sections
	General News
	Local Groups' Activities
	Business & Finance
	Property Pointers
	Travel & Getaway
	Health & Wellbeing
	Art, Media & Craft
	Music / Performance
	Event Reviews
	Wildlife/Environment
	Sporting Activities
	Horticulture
	Hoots and Havers
	Guest Columns
	Useful Links
	Comment Online

Free Eye Examinations for All

AS OF 1 APRIL 2006 the NHS Scotland has agreed to provide a new higher level eye examination to all Scottish residents.

The new service is to move away from the current emphasis on testing vision to a broader examination of ocular health and vision. Re-defining the NHS sight test will allow the examination to be tailored to meet the specific needs and symptoms of each individual. This will give the optometrist more options and avenues of care than the old system did.

Importantly there is now provision for follow-up or subsequent visits in some circumstances. For example, young children who need special examination using eye drops in addition to a standard examination, or need to be assessed frequently to make sure their vision is developing normally can now be covered under the NHS.

A subsequent visit will also be possible on the NHS when a patient needs to be monitored to re-examined for referral to the hospital eye department.

Similarly, patients who are prescribed a course of drug treatment for eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis or dry eye, or have suffered minor eye injuries, can now be followed up as necessary by the optometrist.

As part of the agreement there will be more standardisation of tests and test equipment. This is to bring optometrists and hospitals in line across the country in order to provide a solid base for referral to the hospitals, and vice versa for care in the community.

The introduction of new test procedures may make appointments take slightly longer and for patients over seventy years of age may include the use of eye drops.

Everyone in Scotland will benefit from this service and will be able to access eye care appropriate to their needs in a setting as close to their home as possible.

Belinda Redden