Hoey attends hypertension launch

MP for Vauxhall Kate Hoey helped launch an optometry-based blood pressure screening service.

Four optometry practices in Brixton will work with a domiciliary service in the scheme, part of the Modernisation Intitiative funded by Guy's and St Thomas' Charity.

Optometrist Paul Thompson, a project leader, said it would target mainly Afro-Caribbean and African males who may be unaware of their increased genetic risk to hypertension.

Blood-pressure measurements will be taken during eye exams and patients with readings outside an agreed range will be referred to their GPs.

Hoey said: 'I am very pleased that opticians in my constituency are working with the Modernisation Initiative to offer people free blood pressure checks with their eye test.'