6March 2001

VAT ON SPECS COULD INCREASE PREVENTABLE BLINDNESS

Movesto impose full VAT on spectacles could have a disastrous effect on the uptakeof eye tests leading to eye diseases remaining undetected, according to theRoyal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB).Full VAT could add an extra 10to the price of spectacles, putting them beyond the reach of many peoplewho rely on NHS vouchers to pay for their glasses.

Eyetests are a vital health check which can pick up signs of eye conditions suchas glaucoma before a persons sight is effected. Research by RNIB (see notesfor editors) has shown that the cost of glasses is a key consideration forpeople when considering whether to have their eyes tested. There is a widespread belief that you willhave to get new glasses as part of the total "package" from theoptometrist. An increase in the cost of spectacles by 10 would put even morepeople off having regular eye health checks.

RNIBis extremely concerned at the effect imposing extra VAT would have on thoseseeking to get spectacles within the value of the NHS vouchers. Vouchers are meant to enable people onbenefits to get spectacles free but it is very difficult to find glasses forsale within the voucher value. Imposingan average extra 10 on glasses would make this situation even worse, and wouldcondemn thousands to living without good sight.

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2/ VAT ON SPECS COULD INCREASE PREVENTABLEBLINDNESS

AnitaLightstone, Head of RNIBs Low Vision and Prevention Unit said It would be asupreme irony if the health benefits of the free eye test for people aged over60, introduced by this Government, were to be undermined by putting full VAT onspectacles. It also seems absurd thatone part of the Government gives out vouchers for free glasses whilst anotherwill take back part of their value in VAT.RNIB calls on the Government to remove the threat of VAT on spectacles.

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For further information please contact Joe Korner orNaomi Fuller at the RNIB Press Office on 020 7391 2223 (mobile 07968 482812). Ref: 029

Notes for Editors:

1. RNIBs campaign reportLosing Sight of Blindness, 1997, showed that more than one in ten of peopleover 60 who had not had an eye test in the last two years gave the cost ofglasses as the reason for not having had the eye test.

2. RNIB research on the availability ofspectacles within the value of NHS vouchers (1998) shows that on average anadult would have to pay an extra 8.50 on top of the voucher value for simple,single vision spectacles or an extra 12.80 for bifocals.

3. RNIB is theleading charity in the UK offering practical support, advice and informationfor anyone with a serious sight problem.RNIB campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye testsas eye health checks.