Question reference: S5W-22021
- Asked by: Emma Harper, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 11 March 2019
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 25 March 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the latest available combined costs for prescription charges and eye tests in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales.
Answer
Prescription charges were abolished in Scotland on 1 April 2011. Prescriptions issued on Scottish prescription forms (GP10) are dispensed to the patient free of charge by Scottish community pharmacies. The current prescription charge in England of £8.80 per item is due to increase to £9 per item from 1 April 2019. Prescription charges were abolished in Wales on 1 April 2007.
Eye examinations in Scotland have been provided free of charge since 1 April 2006 to all UK residents and those exempt from charges under the National Health Service (Charges for Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Regulations 1989. Free NHS funded eye examinations in England and Wales are only provided to certain groups of patients. Patients in England and Wales who wish to have their eyes examined and who are not eligible for a free NHS funded eye examination typically have to pay a private sight test fee, which varies by provider.