NHS eye treatment under threat?

The Island’s opticians say draft proposals from the Department of Health and Social Security could spell the end for NHS eye treatment.

The Isle of Man Association of Optometrists says a document circulating in the DHSS wants to cut back on the £500,000 spent each year on eye tests.

Ian Hodgson, the organisation’s chairman, says the cuts would be short-sighted as much more would have to be spent in treating conditions which hadn’t been diagnosed early.

And he says it could spell disaster as opticians refuse NHS work (audio file attached):

(Picture of Health Minister Eddie Teare)