Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle eye conditions and sight loss associated with optic atrophy.

The Government is committed to reducing avoidable sight loss, ensuring that patients have access to timely treatment and support in line with clinical need and the best available evidence.

Any individuals experiencing visual symptoms associated with optic atrophy should consult an optometrist to ensure that eye disease is not overlooked. If after a sight test (and glasses if necessary) an individual is still experiencing difficulties, then a wider assessment may be necessary. Optometrist are able to arrange an onward referral to the appropriate discipline, if required.

Help with the cost of prescription glasses, through National Health Service optical vouchers, is currently available for eligible groups, including children, to help correct a defect in sight, identified during an NHS sight test. There are no plans to change the criteria for NHS optical vouchers.