Free eye tests could be scrapped

The long-term future of free eye tests remains unclear after the Health Minister admitted he is considering the future of some services.

Responding to a House of Keys question from North Douglas MHK John Houghton, David Anderson said giving free eye tests for all was ‘not sustainable’.

He added that the department was ‘focusing on making the best use of resources’ to target core patient services in the years ahead.

However, Mr Houghton and Liberal Vannin’s Kate Beecroft criticised the minister saying scrapping eye tests would surely cost more in the long run as serious conditions would go undetected.

East Douglas MHK Brenda Cannell added that any change in policy would be a major issue and would require Tynwald approval.