Written question asked by John Baron (Conservative) on Monday, 11 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many NHS sight tests have been taken by individuals over 60 years in each year since 1999. - Inc table. (Holding answer 14 October 2004).

Answer: Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS sight tests have been taken by individuals over 60 years in each year since 1999. [190914] Ms Rosie Winterton: [holding answer 14 October 2004]: The table shows the number of national health service sight tests paid by health authorities (HAs) and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England for the years ending 31 March 2000 to 2004. General ophthalmic services: number of sight tests paid by HAs/PCTs in England for patients aged 60 and over for the years ending 31 March 2000 to 2004 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number (million) 1999-2000 3.3 2000-01 3.8 2001-02 4.0 2002-03 4.1 2003-04 4.3 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Sight tests cannot be equated to the numbers of patients. Although most people do not need a repeat sight test within the year, some patients suffering from medical conditions are advised to have re- examinations sooner.

Secondary information