THE number of free eye exams delivered by the NHS in Scotland has reached record highs, new figures show.
According to statistics published by Public Health Scotland, approximately 2.42 million eye examinations were undertaken in Scotland in 2023/24.
It represents an increase of 6.9% compared to the previous year.
Eye examinations are free in Scotland but cost around £20-£25 in England for those who do not qualify for free eye healthcare.
READ MORE: Keir Starmer pays back more than £6000 in gifts after donations row
It means taxpayers in Scotland saved around £48 million this year thanks to the policy, according to the SNP.
It comes after Keir Starmer accepted a donation of designer spectacles worth around £2435, which the SNP state would be enough money to fund more than 120 free eye tests.
“While Starmer was pocketing designer glasses from wealthy donors and demanding that English taxpayers pay for basic healthcare - the SNP was delivering free eye tests to 2.4 million Scots – the highest ever number on record," said SNP MSP Stuart McMillan.
“We’ve put £48 million back into taxpayers’ pockets during a cost-of-living crisis through this policy, while millions across England have forked out for eye tests - proving the benefit of decisions on health being made here in Scotland, for Scotland.
“Since 2007 the Scottish Government has significantly invested in improving eye health, with Scotland remaining the only country in the UK to offer free eye tests – showing the value that the SNP Government places on maintaining a high level of standard of community health across Scotland.”
It comes after Downing Street announced that Keir Starmer has paid back more than £6000 worth of gifts and hospitality he has received since becoming Prime Minister.
The gifts paid for retroactively by Starmer include four tickets to a Taylor Swift concert originally given to him by Universal Music Group.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel