Increasing uptake of free eye examinations among Scotland’s poorer citizens

Description of impact

Research led by the University of Aberdeen Economics department on the 2006 Scottish eyecare reform has highlighted the role of socio-economic inequalities in limiting uptake of eye examinations in Scotland. Key policymakers, such as the Scottish Government, Optometry Scotland and Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland, have now acknowledged the importance of addressing these disparities and are seeking to introduce an alternative strategy. The research underpinning this case study has (1) shaped the focus of current RNIB Scotland and Scottish Government awareness-raising campaigns, (2) influenced the methodologies and practices of the Public Health Scotland Data and Intelligence division in Scotland in the way eyecare data are reported, (3) led to the establishment of the Scottish Eyecare for Everyone (SEE) nationwide network for the advancement of eyecare in Scotland, and (4) informed discussions on the current and future funding of General Ophthalmic Services through the Scottish budget.

Outcomes to Date / Future Developments

Research led the Department of Economics, University of Aberdeen has (1) shaped the focus of current and impending raising-awareness campaigns and (2) influenced methodology and changing practices on how information is presented by Public Health Scotland Data and Intelligence division (previously Information Services Division Scotland), (3) established the Scottish Eyecare for Everyone (SEE) network which seeks to improve access to eyecare through collaboration with practitioners and policymakers across Scotland, and (4) informed discussions on the current and future funding of General Ophthalmic Services through the Scottish budget.

In 2006, the NHS introduced free eye tests in order to provide more comprehensive eye health examinations. Although this initiative sought to enable optometrists to assess a patient’s eye health, research led by the University found evidence that it inadvertently widened pre-existing socio-economic inequalities in eyecare utilisation. Similar disparities are reflected in the wider health benefits that an eye examination can achieve (i.e. detection of hypertension).

Impact status	Impact Completed (Open)
Impact date	2006 → 2021
Category of impact	Societal