Wealthy benefit most from free eye care

Eye care inequality has worsened between rich and poor in Scotland since the introduction of free eye tests, according to economists at the University of Aberdeen.

A year-long report, led by Dr Alexandros Zangelidis, found that the introduction of free eye exams by the Scottish government in April 2006 resulted in more tests but take-up was skewed towards the more well off.

'Our analysis suggests that people with low education and those from poorer households not only have overall lower levels of eye examinations but had a weaker response to the policy when compared to highly educated people and those from wealthier households,' said Dr Zangelidis.