Verum writes: Seeability's learning disability campaign is to be applauded

The fundamental aim at the set up of the National Health Service was to provide care that would be available to all those who need it, irrespective of their ability to pay and free at the point of delivery.

As we see the NHS today, while there may be waiting lists for some services, if an individual has a medical problem, there are professionals who are able to provide the required care, in a setting that is appropriate for that particular service and accessible for the patient. This appears to be true for most conditions, but is it true for those who require visual correction? Firstly if a patient requires spectacles but is not in any of the exempt groups then they are required to pay, however accessibility may also be an issue, in particular for groups who are most at risk.