Optometry Scotland Notes 20th Anniversary of the Abolition of Free NHS Sight Tests     

Optometry Scotland (OS) has noted 20th anniversary of the abolition of free NHS sight tests throughout the UK on 1st April 1989, and the fact that, in Scotland only, it has now been replaced by the new and much more comprehensive NHS eye examination.  The eye examination was introduced by the Scottish Government in April 2006 and is also a free service.

The Chair of OS, Gillian Syme, said:  “When we look back to the abolition of the free test in 1989 and where we are now in Scotland with our new eye examination we realise how far we have come over the intervening 20 years.  Thanks to the foresight and energy of Scottish Ministers, MSPs, and eyecare professionals we have in Scotland an eye healthcare system which is quite literally ahead of the rest of the world, and certainly the envy of the rest of the UK.

She went on:  “I do hope our colleagues in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are able to make similar progress over the coming months and years and perhaps use the Scottish model as an example of what can be achieved.  However, far from resting on our laurels, there is much more we are trying to achieve with our partners in government to ensure we continue to deliver first class eyecare to the people of Scotland.”

1 April 2009

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