Cutting free tests for all would be 'disaster'

Optometry Scotland and RNIB Scotland have hit back at the possibility of the axing of free eye examinations for all in Scotland as part of public spending cutbacks, calling such a move a 'disaster' for the Scottish Government and the wider population.

The Scotsman (May 12) reported that public sector and health chiefs had warned that cuts in universal benefits must be considered as the Scottish budget is expected to be reduced by as much as £35bn over the next 15 years.

Removing free eye care could save £91m by 2011-12. However, the two bodies argued this would put the public at greater risk of losing their sight and lead to increased health and social care costs. They pointed out that over 70,000 people in Scotland were referred for potentially sight-saving treatment last year, while the uptake of exams rose 6 per cent from 1.63 million people in March 2008 to 1.73 million by March 2009.