Scottish Free Eye Examinations Has Seen People Benefit 21 Million Times

The SNP’s protection of free eye tests in Scotland has seen people benefit over 21 million times from the initiative since 2007 – with the Scottish Government investing over £775 million in the policy over the last decade.
 
The policy is a key part of the SNP’s commitment to providing world-leading services for everyone, no matter their background – which has seen over 2.7 million tests taken by children between 2007 and 2018, helping to ensure sight problems are tackled for the youngest people across Scotland.
 
The SNP Scottish Government invested a record £81,660,052 in the free universal NHS eye examinations last year – and more people have taken up the offer of free eye tests in each year since the SNP came to power.

Image: SNP MSP Stuart McMillan
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, who chairs the CPG on Visual Impairment, said:
 
“The SNP’s commitment to free NHS eye tests is a vital part of our plan to improve the health of everyone across Scotland.
 
“To see so many people taking up these free eye tests is great news – especially given so many children have been able to access them, with nearly 3 million taking them up over the last decade.
 
“And the number of people accessing this vital service has increased in every year since the SNP came to power.
 
“The significant investment the Scottish Government has made in eye health will be transformative for people across the country – with over £775 million spent protecting and promoting this policy since 2007.
 
“It is this kind of investment that proves the Scottish Government is always looking to the future – and it’s clear for all to see.”

Image: Courtesy of Vision Express

ABC Comment: Are free eye tests a good thing?