Gil Paterson backs continuation of free eye tests for Scotland

​RESIDENTS of Clydebank and Milngavie are to continue benefiting from free eye tests.

Gil Paterson MSP is throwing his weight behind the move by the Scottish Government who said it has saved constituents money, improved health and helped detect more serious illnesses early.

Health secretary Shona Robison also announced a review to consider the role that community eye services play within the wider NHS and whether more can be done to improve the level of care for patients.

It comes a decade on from the successful introduction of free NHS eye examinations, which has seen a 29 per cent increase in the number of tests carried out since 2006.

Over two million eye examinations a year are now carried out in Scotland, providing both a sight test and an eye health check that can identify treatable conditions at an early stage in their development.

Mr Paterson said it has benefited Clydebank and Milngavie by saving the public money but more importantly, picking up illnesses, some very serious, early.

He said: “It’s fantastic to hear the public of Clydebank and Milngavie will continue to reap the benefits of the free NHS eye examination.

"Free eye tests have saved my constituents save a lot of money, given them access to vital eye-care, helped detect serious illnesses at an early stage and make significant differences to people’s health.

"On the back of this, I encourage everyone in my constituency to make use of this if they have been putting off an eye test or think they might have an eye-care issue.

"I would like to thank all of the opticians­­ and their staff across Clydebank and Milngavie who have helped deliver this service to the public - your efforts are very much appreciated."

The review is set to report to Scottish ministers by the end of the year.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

In 2006/7 the number of eye examinations carried out was approximately 1.51 million. In 2014/15 this had risen to 2.04 million.

Anyone who wishes to share their view on current community eye-care services in Scotland can do so by contacting the Review team by email at the following address: nhseyecarereview@gov.scot

More information is available on the Scottish Government website: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Health/Services/EyeCare