Written question asked by James Duddridge (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 February 2006. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Eye Tests

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to encourage take-up of free eye tests amongst (a) groups with an increased genetic risk of developing glaucoma and (b) people with diabetes.

Answer: [holding answer 27 February 2006]: The arrangements for providing help with national health service 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.Glaucoma was referred to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in November 2005. NICE will prepare a clinical guideline on the diagnosis and management of raised intraocular pressure and ocular hypertension.Screening for diabetic retinopathy is a priority for primary care trusts with a target in the priorities and planning framework 2003–06 and the diabetes national service framework delivery strategy for 80 per cent. of people to be offered screening for the early detection (and treatment if needed) of diabetic retinopathy by the end of March 2006 rising to 100 per cent. by the end of 2007.

Secondary information