DoH snapshot shows input from profession

The figure, taken from April to September 2003, comprises tests paid for by primary care trusts (PCTs) in England and Local Health Boards in Wales, and is marginally up on the previous six months (October 2002-March 2003: 5.14m). However, the number of tests has been around five million for each six-month period the Government's statistics service has taken into account since it leapt in 1999/2000 when eligibility for NHS eye examinations for elderly people was reinstated.
Of the NHS sight tests from April to September 2003, 44 per cent were for people aged 60 and over, and 22 per cent for children.
England's PCTs and Wales's LHBs reimbursed vouchers for 1.85 million pairs of spectacles from April to September 2003,up nearly 1 per cent over October 2002 to March 2003 (1.84m), and two less than April to September 2002 (1.89m).
The General Ophthalmic Services activity report also shows that a total of 144,030 domiciliary visits were paid for by PCTs/LHBs during the April to September period last year.
Go to www.dh.gov.ukfor more details.Five million tests in six monthsThe latest DoH snapshot of the profession's contribution to the Health Service shows that over six months last year 5.16 million sight tests were carried out.
The figure, taken from April to September 2003, comprises tests paid for by primary care trusts (PCTs) in England and Local Health Boards in Wales, and is marginally up on the previous six months (October 2002-March 2003: 5.14m). However, the number of tests has been around five million for each six-month period the Government's statistics service has taken into account since it leapt in 1999/2000 when eligibility for NHS eye examinations for elderly people was reinstated.
Of the NHS sight tests from April to September 2003, 44 per cent were for people aged 60 and over, and 22 per cent for children.
England's PCTs and Wales's LHBs reimbursed vouchers for 1.85 million pairs of spectacles from April to September 2003,up nearly 1 per cent over October 2002 to March 2003 (1.84m), and two less than April to September 2002 (1.89m).
The General Ophthalmic Services activity report also shows that a total of 144,030 domiciliary visits were paid for by PCTs/LHBs during the April to September period last year.
Go to www.dh.gov.ukfor more details.