A week of news - finger prick test

A latest suggestion for enhanced services to reach the news desk is from Durham University in the shape of a diabetes finger prick test.

Its studies found that 32 per cent of high risk group patients needed further medical advice after blood glucose test trials within optical practices.

Redcar-based optometrist Faye McDearmid said testing was a great opportunity, but rightly cautioned that funding was not yet available.

And should NHS funds become available, many are unconvinced it would be sufficient to cover the extra cost of such a service, never mind help make money.

Indeed, an extra revenue stream is only a welcome one if it proves profitable, whether it is diabetes, glaucoma or red eye clinics. It remains unclear whether enhanced services will equate to enhanced revenues.