Written question asked by Richard Bacon (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 November 2005. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Thursday, 15 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Blindness

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) parents understand the importance of eye examinations for children and (b) young people and adults have regular eye examinations.

Answer: Free sight tests are available under the national health service to large parts of the population including children, those aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, people on benefits, those people at particular risk of developing eye disease, and people who are registered blind or partially sighted or who have a complex spectacle prescription. Sight tests allow the opportunity to review all aspects of eye health, including investigations for signs of disease. Those at risk of specific eye disease, for example diabetic retinopathy, may be asked to attend regular screening.Information about the extensive arrangements for providing help with NHS optical services and other health costs are publicised in leaflet HC11 ““Are you entitled to help with health costs?”” Posters are also available for display in optical practices and hospital out-patient departments.The number of NHS sight tests undertaken continues to increase. In 2004–05, there were 10.1 million NHS sight tests, an increase of 3 per cent. on 2003–04.We have also promoted a system of child health and development checks. The programme of home visiting and community development makes an important contribution to many areas of health education and fosters the early detection of problems, including those associated with eye sight, in young, pre-school children.

Secondary information