Tag: Optometry Scotland

Eye examinations to remain free in Scotland

The fees paid by the Scottish Government to optometrists for carrying out NHS-funded eye examinations will increase by 3% – helping to ensure everyone can continue to access high quality eye care.

Scotland became the only UK nation to introduce free universal NHS-funded eye examinations in 2006 and, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic, 2018-19, a record 2.3 million people had their eyes examined by an optometrist under this service.

This increase will be backdated to include all General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) eye examinations, which provide both a sight test and an eye health check, undertaken from 1 April 2021.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “General Ophthalmic Services is one of the many NHS success stories in Scotland. The introduction in 2006 of free universal NHS-funded eye examinations set Scotland apart from the rest of the UK, and this Government is committed to maintaining this policy.

“Increasing the fees paid to optometrists for providing this vital service ensures everyone in across the country can continue to access high quality eye care services.

“Even if you’re happy with your vision, it’s really important to have your eyes examined regularly by an optometrist. An eye examination helps detect eye problems and signs of other significant health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease before they become more serious.

“Many community optometrists can manage the treatment of certain eye conditions and are able to prescribe treatments to patients instead of having to make a GP or hospital referral.

“I would also like to thank everyone in the community optometry sector for their invaluable work and dedication in response to the pandemic – staffing Emergency Eyecare Treatment Centres during the initial phase of the pandemic, supporting the vaccine programme and the outstanding efforts made in returning to delivering pre-pandemic levels of care.”

David Quigley, Chair, Optometry Scotland said: “We welcome the announcement of a 3% increase to GOS fees.  These are significant developments which acknowledge the excellent service provided by community eyecare colleagues across Scotland.

“We have campaigned for an increase and implementation of a sustainable funding model to safeguard and enhance the future of community optometry, and thanks to a strong working relationship and ongoing constructive dialogue with the Scottish Government we are pleased to see this come to fruition.”

Don’t ignore eye check-ups – they can save your sight!

Optometric practices (opticians) have now reopened in Scotland and a charity is urging people to resume treatment and eye examinations which may prevent later sight loss.

Eye examinations are free in Scotland and can spot the first signs of sight problems when impairment of vision can be arrested or even reversed.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “The coronavirus has eclipsed other concerns in the public consciousness lately, but we still have to be aware of maintaining our wider health, including our eyes. That’s why it’s very important we still go for regular eye examinations and continue treatment that can save sight.”

The charity is pointing to a recent survey by ophthalmic professionals that found that up to 50 per cent of people with acute or urgent eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of sight loss in Britain, had missed appointments during the peak of lockdown.

David Quigley, chair of professional body Optometry Scotland, said the emphasis was on ensuring a safe environment and experience for patients and staff. “So while appointments may be a little different as we closely follow Government guidelines, optometrists can now offer a wide spectrum of eyecare, including routine exams, which are crucial in maintaining eye health and reducing avoidable sight loss.

“The sector is also embracing technology to continue to offer remote services where appropriate, something we are keen to encourage as we move into a new reality of care. We encourage patients to phone their local optometrist in the first instance, who will assess whether they are best served remotely or in practice and will make an appointment as necessary.”

Home visits will be available for those who can’t attend a practice without assistance. This could be someone who is shielding, needs the support of carers, is unable to travel to a practice, or is temporarily injured. Most parts of a routine eye exam can be carried out and a broad spectrum of treatment can be administered too.

Optometry Scotland has produced a video [https://bit.ly/2AZ55VO] with RNIB Scotland explaining the special procedures in place for blind and partially sighted people when visiting their local optometrist practice.

* RNIB’s ‘Eye health during Coronavirus: What to do and what to expect’ leaflet is available here – https://www.rnib.org.uk/sites/default/files/eye-health-coronavirus-tips-2.pdf. 

For more information on what to do if you have concerns about your sight, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.