Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Special Schools: Eye Testing

Monday 27 February 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Free NHS sight tests are available for children under 16 or under 19 in full-time education
  • The NHS is evaluating a proof-of-concept sight testing programme in special schools
  • Voucher schemes are in place to support children in obtaining stylish and affordable glasses

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
NHS Education
Context

The MP highlighted the importance of vision in educational outcomes during a visit to Eden Academy.

Question

My recent visit to the Eden Academy illustrated the importance of vision to achieving educational outcomes. What plans are there across Government to ensure the availability of sufficient and appropriate eye testing, so that children in SEND day schools can achieve the best possible educational outcomes?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Free NHS sight tests are available for all children under 16 or under 19 in full-time education. Children can be supported to access high-street services or referred to the local eye service. The NHS is evaluating its proof-of-concept sight testing programme in special schools, and that evaluation will inform decisions about the funding and delivery of any future sight testing model.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans for sufficient and appropriate eye testing in SEND day schools were not detailed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
NHS
Context

The MP discussed the importance of early eyesight testing.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for her answer. Early eyesight testing is important. What specific steps are being taken to ensure that any glasses prescribed are stylish and can be worn, and would not in any way disadvantage a person, especially a young person?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

All children have access to free NHS sight tests, and voucher schemes are in place for glasses. In addition, the programme in special schools is being evaluated.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to ensure stylish and comfortable prescribed glasses were not detailed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
NHS
Context

The MP discussed the importance of early eyesight testing.

Question

I thank the Minister very much for her response. Early eyesight testing is important. What specific steps are being taken to ensure that any glasses prescribed are stylish and can be worn, and would not in any way disadvantage a person, especially a young person?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

All children have access to free NHS sight tests. Voucher schemes are in place for glasses, ensuring financial support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to ensure stylish and comfortable prescribed glasses were not detailed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email