In its pre-manifesto document Freedom in a Liberal Society Charles Kennedy's party has repeated its long-held commitment to restoring eye examinations free of charge. The aim, to 'reduce ill health by spotting problems earlier by scrapping charges for eye and dental check-ups, funded by putting 10p on the cost of a packet of cigarettes', is one of the key points of the Lib-Dems health policy. However, this will not remunerate optometrists, who have been reported to have lost millions of pounds since eligibility for NHS eye examinations was extended to include those aged 60 and over in April 1999. Earlier this year the Optometric Fees Review Committee said the profession had lost &\#163;7m between April 1999 and February 2000 because of the change in eye examination policy. Nevertheless, a Lib-Dems senior health researcher said that money to improve the sight test fee would come from an investment which included retention packages aimed at other health professionals. 'What we're saying is that preventative health measures need to come into force, and suggesting areas like free eye and dental checks should be restored' he said. 'But, of course, they should be restored at an appropriate level - ie a level where the remuneration is a lot more suitable for the optometrists who are carrying out the tests. 'We are much more aware that NHS staff should receive a fair slice of the pie than the other major parties,' he said. The document also contains commitments to recruit an extra 5,000 doctors and 20,000 nurses, and investment in hospitals. NHS examinations for all to be funded by cigarette tax