News

A question mark hangs over the promised increase in sight test fees for Scottish optometrists due to be implemented in April next year.

Current fees for Scottish optometrists for each NHS primary eye examination are £36 and £21 for each NHS supplementary eye examination.

The fees payable to optometrists for NHS eye examinations were agreed for 2006/07 and 2007/08 by the previous government which introduced NHS sights for all in April 2006.

However, in a response to a tabled written question in Parliament, Minister for Public Health Shona Robison stated that any further increase in the 2007/08 level of fees payable for eye examinations was 'subject to the outcome of the spending review'.

The question was tabled by Mary Scanlon, Conservative Minister for Health, who was seeking confirmation that the fees would be increased.

Commenting on this development, Frank Munro, chairman of Optometry Scotland, told Optician that the body would work with the government in the best interest of the public and to ensure appropriate fees were made to optometrists.

'We are waiting for the outcome of the spending review due to announced at the end of the month before we take any action,' he said.

Providing exclusive eye care news, information and educational needs every week, including a FREE CET programme. Subscribe to Optician Print Edition.