Health Bill

Amendment No. 92 would include a specific reference to people who are unable to get to an optical practice due to illness or incapacity as being eligible for NHS-funded sight tests. The Government are committed to meeting the needs of eligible patients for sight tests, and that includes people who are unable to attend an optical practice. We recognise many of the points raised by noble Lords relating to falls and to additional burdens on the NHS. The duty on primary care trusts will be to provide, or secure the provision of, a sight-testing service for eligible people in their areas. This duty is not restricted to people who are able to go to an optical practice unaided. Sight tests in people’s homes are currently provided to people who are unable to go to an optical practice due to physical or mental disability. We intend to ensure the continued availability of such services to meet patient need. ““Eyes on Wheels”” sounds an excellent idea. The noble Baronesses, Lady Cumberlege and Lady Murphy, both mentioned the delay in getting broken glasses repaired and the adverse effects that that has on the lives of elderly people. However, there are no restrictions on the replacement of broken glasses. Notice is required only for sight tests.