Moneo writes

What is it about this government and the nation's vision? With the announcement that there is no increase in NHS sight test fees the coalition effectively dealt a double blow to the visual welfare of the country. There was no surprise really that the sight test fee was frozen. This is due largely to the government needing to save money, looking at our profession and noting that many organisations carry out private eye examinations at a fraction of the cost to the government of an NHS test, or even for free. If you are one of those you should hang your head in shame.