Voucher values up just one per cent

Disappointment has followed the Department of Health’s announcement that optical voucher values will rise by one per cent from April 2015 to March 2016 in England, Wales and Scotland.

A spokesperson from the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee said: 'We are disappointed at the low voucher value increase this year. We made strong representations to the government about the importance of a realistic increase in voucher values because they affect the range and quality of spectacles optical practices can make available to patients.

‘But despite our best efforts, the government has so far failed to address the bizarre anomaly whereby if they help patients by holding down dental and prescription charges, they conversely penalise NHS spectacle wearers. We will continue to press NHS England and the Department of Health on this issue.’