Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 31 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the cost of restoring free eye examinations to (a) all adults, (b) all those over the age of 65, (c) all those over the age of 60 and (d) all those over the age of 55 years; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of restoring free eye examinations to (a) all adults, (b) all those over the age of 65, (c) all those over the age of 60 and (d) all those over the age of 55 years; and if he will make a statement. [136484] Mr. Hutton: In April 1999 we made everyone aged 60 and over eligible for a free, National Health Service sight test. Children, people on low incomes and people suffering from or predisposed to eye disease are also eligible. Our estimates of the costs per annum of extending eligibility further are £75 million for all adults and £15 million for people aged 55 and over.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 356 c265-6W; 136484
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Costs Concessions Fees and charges Eyesight NHS Ophthalmic services Testing
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk