AIO calls for changes on free eye tests payments

The AIO has called on Matt Hancock, the secretary of state for health and social care, to address the use of taxpayers’ money to fund free or discounted sight tests.

The association has proposed that the government states that optical practices cannot claim a fee for a sight test from GOS public funds that exceeds the lowest test price advertised by that outlet or associated group.

This would mean that the practices could still offer free or discounted eye tests, but the government or taxpayers would not be paying for them.

AIO chairman Christian French said: ‘It is not right that taxpayers’ money is being used to fund what are being described as free eye tests for the public, when patently they are not free if the government is paying for them. Ultimately what we are seeking is transparency in terms of who is paying for sight tests on the high street.’