Written question asked by Philip Dunne (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 31 January 2006. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Thursday, 16 February 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Child Eye Examinations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that parents understand the importance of eye examinations for children.

Answer: [holding answer 31 January 2006]: Personal child health records are provided to parents after the birth of their child. The record provides families with a means of recording visits, immunisation, concerns raised and action taken. The record covers the range of health and development milestones and although it cannot go into the detail of conditions the record does prompt inquiries about vision and promotes further discussion and specific eye checks where indicated.Free sight tests are available under the national health service for children under 16 and those aged 16 to 18 in full time education. Sight tests allow the opportunity to review all aspects of eye health, including investigations for signs of disease.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?””.

Secondary information