Welsh practitionersÕ fees to be doubled

The proposed extensions to eligibility of NHS sight tests in Wales are to go ahead this autumn. And, with an expected increase in workloads, optician understands that the sight test fee for Welsh practitioners involved will be in certain circumstances around £30, double that currently offered.
Last year Welsh Assembly health secretary Jane Hutt unveiled a series of proposals to improve eye care in Wales, including NHS eye examinations for people of Afro-Caribbean and Asian origin and investments in diabetic retinopathy screening services, cataract surgery and primary care developments (News, March 24 2000). Extensions to eligibility for free examinations were considered because of the heightened risk of glaucoma in Afro-Caribbean people and cataract and diabetes in the Asian community.
A detailed examination of the cost of extending eligibility in 2000 found that free examinations for ethnic minority groups in the principality would cost £72,000 a year.

This and other groups Ð such as 16-19 year-olds in apprenticeship and training schemes Ð will be eligible for NHS sight tests in a few weeks.


It is expected the Government will study the project to improve eye care in Wales with a view to introduce some of its aspects elsewhere in the country.