Reflections on sight loss - RNIB

News
Scots celebrate free test
anniversary
Thousands of Scots may have had their
eyesight saved thanks to the free eye tests
first introduced in Scotland three years ago,
ahead of the rest of the UK. The latest figures
show that the numbers taking up the free
examinations have risen from 1.63 million
people in March 2008 to 1.73 million by
March 2009.
The new statistics also show increased
referrals to follow-on care by a GP or hospital
following the free eye test, from 3.5 to 4.2 per
cent of those tested. This means that 72,660
people in Scotland are now being referred for
potentially sight-saving treatment.
John Legg, Director of RNIB Scotland, said:
“We are delighted to see the increased uptake
of eye tests continue year on year. This makes
a crucial difference to the early diagnosis of
sight-threatening conditions – giving a much
increased chance of saving someone’s sight
through early intervention.
“Policies such as the free eye test contribute
to making Scotland one of the world’s leaders
in eye health.”
Big Care Debate
The Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, has
launched a ‘Big Care Debate’ following the
publication of the Green Paper ‘Shaping the
future of care together’, which presents the
Government’s vision for a National Care
Service. The Green Paper sets out radical
alternative proposals for funding the service,
including partnership and insurance models
and a comprehensive state insurance scheme.
The debate will run until mid-November, with
a variety of ways of contributing including a
series of public consultations.
Links
➜ www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk
Alström Syndrome
Alström Syndrome (first described by CH
Alström in Sweden in 1959) is a rare and often
mis-diagnosed order, of which eye conditions
are an early feature. Alström Syndrome UK
(ASUK) has gained National Commissioning
Group funding for special multi-disciplinary
clinics to provide specialised help and support,
and has also produced a booklet to help raise
awareness of the condition, available from
www.alstrom.org.uk, email
info@alstrom.org.uk, telephone 01803 524238
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