AOP opposed to free eye tests in Scotland

However, a spokesman said its opposition would have no effect, as the policy to introduce free tests for all by 2007 was one on which the Labour/Liberal Democrat coalition Government won last month's election.
Eddie McVey, chairman of the AOP's Scottish council, told The Scotsman newspaper on Monday that the money should instead be put into pilot eye care projects, as they had reduced waiting lists in hospitals and improved the quality of eye care where they had been trialled.
He told optician that funds must be spent on schemes which were carefully targeted at those in need, and cited the Glasgow Integrated Eyecare Service and PEARS scheme in Wales.
He added: 'The introduction of free sight tests for all will not provide Scots with the return on an investment which it needs to achieve. Furthermore the AOP's policy is that eligibility for GOS sight tests should not be extended while the fee for the tests was economically unrealistic. The extension of eligibility to the over-60s resulted in no increase in the take-up of sight tests among the targeted group and an immense loss of revenue for the profession (£7.75m per year at today's prices). There is no reason to believe that the extension of free sight tests to all in Scotland would be any more successful.'
Liberal Democrat health spokesman Mike Rumbles, who supports the move, said he was 'astounded' by the AOP's position.
'They are dipping their foot into the water of party politics. Health promotion is our priority and free eye tests are an extremely important part of that. We believe that the health service should not just treat people, it should also be preventative.'
Mr Rumbles, who led the talks to persuade Labour colleagues to accept this move, added: 'They can't do anything about it, it is going to happen. It is my job to ensure it does.'