Written question asked by John Fraser (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What assessment he has made of the incidence of glaucoma in ethnic minorities relative to the rest of the population.

Answer: Mr. Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the incidence of glaucoma in ethnic minorities relative to the rest of the population; and if he will make a statement. [21352] Mr. Horam: Studies have indicated that people of African extraction are four times more at risk of Glaucoma than Caucasians. Everyone at special risk of developing the condition, because they are aged over 40 and have a close relative with glaucoma, is automatically entitled to a free national health service sight test.

Secondary information