Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Friday, 24 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 (named day). It was answered by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Myopia: Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when does he expect treatment of myopia in children aged between three and 14 years through low-dose atropine eye drops to begin.

Answer: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) makes recommendations for the National Health Service in England on whether new medicines should be routinely funded based on an assessment of their costs and benefits. NICE is currently evaluating low-dose atropine eye drops for treating myopia in people aged three to 14 years old and currently expects to publish final guidance in September 2026. If recommended in final NICE guidance, the NHS would be required to fund treatment within three months of publication.

Secondary information