Massive take-up of free eye exams

Traditional tests have now been replaced by tailored exams

There has been a huge increase in the number of people having eye tests in Scotland following last year's abolition of fees, figures show.

More than 1.5m Scots had an eye examination last year, an increase of 64% on statistics published for 2005.

Nearly 4% of those tested were then referred for further treatment.

The figures, published by the NHS Information Services Division, were welcomed by Scotland's public health minister.

The statistics also show 442,944 NHS vouchers, used to purchase glasses, were reimbursed by health boards across the country.

The figures represent a 3.1% decrease on numbers for the previous year.

The traditional NHS sight test has also been improved to include a tailored test of the eye's structure in addition to a chart reading exam.

It is vitally important that people have their eyes examined regularly Shona Robison

Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said it was vital people had regular eye checks.

She added: "The free NHS examination has extended the scope of the previous sight test to provide a fuller examination.

"It is vitally important that people have their eyes examined regularly as a general health check, able to identify a number of conditions.

"They do not only show that someone needs glasses.

"For example, diabetes affects a patient's eyesight. It is therefore encouraging to see the number of diabetic sufferers obtaining a free NHS eye examination is increasing."