More than 11 million NHS sight tests took place in the UK in 2007-08, according to the General Ophthalmic Services activity statistics for England and Wales.
According to the report from the NHS Information Centre (NIC), the number of sight tests that took place for the year ending March 31 increased by nearly 1.4 million on the same period in 2002-03. It also revealed that almost 330,000 of these tests were conducted in patients' homes or residential homes, 75,000 more than in 2002-03.
Tim Straughan, chief executive of the NIC, commented: 'A main objective of GOS is to provide eye care for those who need it most, such as children, people on low incomes and those aged 60 or over. The increase in the number of tests, issued vouchers and ophthalmic practitioners shown in our reports suggests such services are reaching those people.'
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