Scots increase uptake of free examinations

There has been a 6 per cent increase in the uptake of NHS eye examinations in Scotland, with 1.73 million examinations undertaken up to the year ending March 2009.

This compares to 1.63 million for the year ending March 2008, according to official figures on the provision of general ophthalmic services.

New statistical data published by Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland also revealed there was an increase in referrals to GPs and hospital departments for follow-up care during this period. The marginal increase was from 3.5 per cent in the period ending March 2008 to 4.2 per cent of those tested in the period ending March 2009. This meant that there were 72,660 more referrals for follow-up care during the assessed period.