Higher numbers prioritise NHS eye examinations

Demand for NHS eye examinations has increased by 3.6 per cent in England according to latest figures.

A total of 12.787 million patients received NHS sight tests last year, reported Optics at a Glance, the 34th edition of the market report based on data collected by the Optical Confederation.

NHS eye exams were taken up by 1.8 per cent more patients in Northern Ireland and grew 5.7 per cent in Scotland, but Wales saw a decrease of 1.2 per cent during 2014.

As Optics at a Glance stated, free NHS eye examinations are available to all in Scotland, and with higher fees paid to contractors, but restricted to certain categories in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.