FODO stats show eye exam rise to 13.8m

Average spend by patients presenting an NHS voucher rose to £89 last year, up from £74 in 2006-07, according to the 28th annual edition of Optics at a Glance published by FODO for the year ending March 31 2008.

In contrast, the average spend by private patients decreased from £149 in 2006-07 to £145. The interval between sight tests also fell slightly to 25 months from 26 months in 2006-07.

Drawn from government statistics and a survey of FODO members, the latest edition of Optics at a Glance reveals that the number of NHS sight tests carried out in the UK in 2007-08 rose to 13.8 million (from 13.1 million in 2006-07). FODO data comparisons also indicate that there continues to be a shortfall between the number of patients who are likely to be entitled to domiciliary eye care and the number of patients receiving the service.