Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 April 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 May 1999. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 10 May 1999 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 number of cases of glaucoma which are likely to be identified following the re-introduction of free eye tests for pensioners. - Inc figure.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of cases of glaucoma which are likely to be identified following the reintroduction of free eye tests for pensioners. [82918] Mr. Denham: We do not know how many people aged 60 and over have already been having regular sight tests or how many of the remainder will take up the opportunity of a free National Health Service sight test but, within these uncertainties, we estimate that optometrists could refer an additional 2,000 patients presenting signs of glaucoma.

Secondary information