Pandemic hits NI eye tests

Northern Ireland saw a decrease of 34% in the number of eye tests carried out by the health service last year, compared to 2019/20.

This statistic was included in a report published by the Northern Irish Department of Health and Social Care’s Business Service Organisation (BSO).

‘[This] can be explained by the impact of the pandemic and the restrictions placed on ophthalmic practices,’ explained a statement.

The report also revealed that three quarters of eye tests provided by the health service were for patients aged 60 and over or 16 and below.

Women were more likely to receive a health service sight test than men, with 18% of the female population attending a test during the year compared to 14% of men.