The College of Optometrists welcomes the report by the Health Select Committee on NHS Charges. Kevin Lewis, College President, commented, “Recent research carried out on our behalf found that half of parents do not take their children for regular check-ups. Of these, over 50% said they never take their children for a sight test. We believe that all children have the right to clear, comfortable vision to enable them to achieve their full potential and would support the report’s recommendation that all young children should be fully screened for visual impairment. As the primary eyecare professionals, Optometrists are well placed to deliver this.”
The College also welcome the report’s recognition of the need for greater awareness of the importance of eye health and preventative eye care, and its recommendation that the Department of Health should increase efforts to target people at risk of eye disease. Kevin Lewis continued, “The College has recently written to Caroline Flint MP, Health Minister, urging the Department to consider the importance of conveying a clear message about the importance of regular eye examinations throughout people’s lives. Good eyecare is essential for all of us”.