This article is best viewed in a PDF Format.
Eye examinations
The total number of eye examinations is fairly stable, growth is currently negligible, and figures lag last May by 4 per cent. The percentage which is NHS tests is consistent at 71 per cent. Figure 1 shows the changes in eye examination volumes for our sample over the past two years. The number of eye examinations in December 2008 was better than in 2007, likewise in November, a traditional peak month. However, it is clear to see that volumes for the early part of 2009 have not held up well. The moving average plotted each month is the average of the last 12 months' figures, and shows a cyclical nature. The trend line is the average line drawn through all the points. A slight increase can be seen over the two-year period. The year to April 2008 was a period of good growth, with the average increase over that time amounting to around 5 per cent. However, the moving average was already indicating the declining trend, as figures were lagging previous years' results. The trend line over the two years indicates a growth of just 1 per cent over that time.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Optician Online. Register now to access up to 10 news and opinion articles a month.
Register
Already have an account? Sign in here