ÔLandmarkÕ Welsh scheme launched

Those in favour of extending NHS eye test eligibility will be watching carefully the progress of the new free Ôeye health examination schemeÕ in Wales.Welsh Assembly health minister Jane Hutt called its launch this week a Ôlandmark dayÕ for eye care in the principality. The scheme provides NHS eye examinations for patients most at risk from eye disease.Launching the initiative at the Department of Optometry in Cardiff University on Wednesday, Ms Hutt said: ÔThis scheme will contribute greatly to significant health improvements for the people of Wales. It is a policy unique to Wales, targeting those most in need. Eye disease can lead to severe vision impairment and in some cases total blindness. Now with one simple examination it doesnÕt have to be that way.ÕIndividuals who qualify for the free eye examination can make an appointment directly with a participating optometrist, without visiting a GP. But GPs can refer a patient to an optometrist for an examination.The patients who will benefit are those with a hearing impairment, patients with retinitis pigmentosa, uniocular people and those whose family origins are Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi.