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Press Release

Eye Health Alliance welcomes coalition government's commitment to free eye tests for the elderly

20 May 2010

The Eye Health Alliance today welcomed the commitment in the coalition programme for government pledging to continue offering free eye tests for the elderly. Regular eye testing is vital to help people protect their sight and guard against diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, and it is encouraging to see the coalition's commitment to free eye tests for the elderly. Good eyesight is crucial to help older people maintain their independence, help them to remain in their own home for longer, improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of falls.

Regular eye tests are also important for everyone to check for the early signs of eye conditions, which if left untreated, could lead to blindness. An eye test can also detect other general health problems such as high blood pressure.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland different groups of people are entitled to a free NHS Sight Test including those aged 60 and over and children under 16. In Scotland everyone is entitled to an NHS eye examination.

Notes

1) The coalition: programme for government pledged to: "protect key benefits for older people such as the winter fuel allowance, free TV licences, free bus travel, and free eye tests and prescriptions." http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/409088/pfg_coalition.pdf
2) The Eye Health Alliance is a coalition of ten organisations including the optical professional bodies and eye care charities who work together to promote eye health for all.



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