Press Release issued: 13 March 2012.
New research by Aberdeen University has confirmed that the Scottish Government's policy of free eye examinations, introduced in 2006, has succeeded, says RNIB Scotland.
But the findings also reveal that the impact has been unevenly spread and more must be done to encourage the least well off to have their eyes tested.
Eye examinations can play a crucial role in identifying sight loss conditions early on when they can be arrested or reversed, as well as other health problems such as brain tumours, said the charity's director John Legg.
"What we commonly refer to as eye tests are more accurately eye health checks. This research proves that the policy has led to more Scots, overall, having their eyes examined. We know that this has led to more people's sight and other conditions being diagnosed in time to treat them. This is hugely more cost-effective than meeting the health and social costs of people who might otherwise go on to lose vision or suffer ill-health unnecessarily."
"But it also reveals that we still have a job to do to get this important message across to the least advantaged members of society, especially to people who are more likely to suffer ill-health, to smoke and have a bad diet. All of these factors can exacerbate sight problems."
Before free eye exams were introduced, fewer Scots had their eyes tested than people in other parts of the UK. However just two years later, the relative difference had reduced, the research notes.
RNIB Scotland has warned that without increased emphasis on prevention strategies the number of Scots with significant sight loss could double over the next two decades.
"Free eye examinations have unquestionably improved the health of Scotland," insisted Legg. "We now need to ensure everyone understands just how important getting your eyes tested regularly really is."