Simon Jones: Petition politics

Eye health and optical industry petitions normally generate some mildly interesting debate, but the Myopia Focus call for the NHS to recognise myopia as an ocular disease and provide free treatment is one that could have a far-reaching impact on the nation’s eye health, if all the proposals are introduced.

The aims of the petition, which has now received more than 1,300 signatures, are broad and include changes to GOS provision and a new tier of spectacle and contact lens vouchers that provide a minimum standard of management solutions. Also included is the provision of free eye exams to all high myopes and myopes over the age of 25, along with new vouchers for myopes over the age of 25 who are on limited means.