Optometry Scotland fears for free eye test

Optometry Scotland (OS) is seeking further discussions with the Scottish government regarding the continued funding of universally free eye examinations.

The body is keen to convince Holyrood that the service should remain in place despite an Independent Budget Review, commissioned by ministers, recommending that all Scottish public services be subjected to scrutiny.

The health service, which accounts for 30 per cent of all public spending in Scotland, has an annual budget of £11.5bn. The report said the prospect of ring-fencing health spending as the UK government promised in England would leave other departments in Scotland facing budget cuts of more than 20 per cent by 2014-15.