THE number of free eye exams delivered by the NHS in Scotland has reached record highs, new figures show.
According to statistics published by Public Health Scotland, approximately 2.42 million eye examinations were undertaken in Scotland in 2023/24.
It represents an increase of 6.9% compared to the previous year.
Eye examinations are free in Scotland but cost around £20-£25 in England for those who do not qualify for free eye healthcare.
It means taxpayers in Scotland saved around £48 million this year thanks to the policy, according to the SNP.
It comes after Keir Starmer accepted a donation of designer spectacles worth around £2435, which the SNP state would be enough money to fund more than 120 free eye tests.
“While Starmer was pocketing designer glasses from wealthy donors and demanding that English taxpayers pay for basic healthcare - the SNP was delivering free eye tests to 2.4 million Scots – the highest ever number on record," said SNP MSP Stuart McMillan.
“We’ve put £48 million back into taxpayers’ pockets during a cost-of-living crisis through this policy, while millions across England have forked out for eye tests - proving the benefit of decisions on health being made here in Scotland, for Scotland.
“Since 2007 the Scottish Government has significantly invested in improving eye health, with Scotland remaining the only country in the UK to offer free eye tests – showing the value that the SNP Government places on maintaining a high level of standard of community health across Scotland.”
It comes after Downing Street announced that Keir Starmer has paid back more than £6000 worth of gifts and hospitality he has received since becoming Prime Minister.
The gifts paid for retroactively by Starmer include four tickets to a Taylor Swift concert originally given to him by Universal Music Group.
