Written question asked by Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 18 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 November 2009. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Eye Tests and Dental Checks

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of providing every person with a free annual (a) eye test and (b) dental check in 2009.

Answer: We have made no estimate of the cost of providing everyone with a free annual eye test and free annual dental check.The appropriate frequency for sight tests varies according to an individual's age and clinical requirements. Current guidance indicates that for the majority of people aged between 16 and 70 years, the minimum interval between sight tests could be two years. More frequent tests are appropriate for children or those aged 70 and over, or if an individual is at particular risk of eye disease, is concerned that they may have an eye condition, or an optometrist or ophthalmic medical practitioner judges that more frequent tests are clinically necessary.The appropriate frequency for dental checks depends upon an individual's oral health status. Guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Dental Recall – recall interval between routine dental examinations, October 2004, available on the NICE website at"http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG19/Guidance/pdf/English"recommends that dentists recall patients at any interval between three months and two years, according to each person's oral health needs.

Secondary information