Written question asked by Jim Cousins (Labour) on Thursday, 16 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 27 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will estimate how many pensioners have received free eye tests in each local authority area and in each constituency in Tyne and Wear since the introduction of free tests. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many pensioners have received free eye tests in each local authority area and in each constituency in Tyne and Wear since the introduction of free tests. [139625] Mr. Hutton: We extended eligibility for National Health Service sight tests to everyone aged 60 and over from 1 April 1999. Figures for the numbers of people aged 60 and over who have received free eye tests in particular areas are not collected centrally. However, the increase in the total number of sight tests paid for in the year ending 31 March 2000 by Gateshead and South Tyneside Health Authority was 14,320 and by Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority was 25,170. It is fair to assume that the majority of these increases were due to newly eligible people aged 60 or over obtaining NHS sight tests.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c467-8W; 139625
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Concessions Eyesight Pensioners Ophthalmic services Testing Tyne and Wear
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk